CHICAGO (CBS) – A Cook County judge ruled Wednesday that Congressman Joe Walsh must prove that he made nearly $100,000 in child-support payments as part of his ongoing legal dispute with his ex-wife, Laura Walsh.

Earlier this year, Laura Walsh sued the Republican congressman from McHenry $117,000 in unpaid child support. Rep. Walsh, a Tea Party favorite, has disputed that he owes that much in child support.

Laura Walsh was at Wednesday’s hearing before Cook County Judge Raul Vega, but the congressman was not, prompting the judge to ask Rep. Walsh’s attorney why he wasn’t there.

Walsh’s new attorney, Janet Boyle, asked Vega “for what purpose” he wanted the congressman in court.

Vega gave her a puzzled look.

To which Boyle responded: “Mr. Walsh is a U.S. congressman.”

“Well, he’s no different than anyone else,” the judge said. Vega said he expects Rep. Walsh to show up at the next hearing, in November.

But Laura Walsh’s attorney later said the congressman probably wouldn’t have to come to court for the next hearing after all.

Meantime, Vega said he was going to issue a “rule to show cause” why Walsh shouldn’t be held in contempt for falling behind on child support over the past five years.

The effect of that ruling is that, instead of Laura Walsh having to prove the congressman owes the money, the burden shifts to the congressman to prove that he doesn’t owe money, according to attorneys for both Walshes.