What if My Ex Won’t Pay Alimony?

Navigating post-divorce financial scenarios can be both emotionally and legally complex. A common concern many individuals face is the failure of an ex-spouse to pay court-ordered alimony. When the checks stop coming or are consistently late, the financial strain can be immense. But what are your rights, and what legal avenues are open to you? Cordry Hartman, LLC offers a detailed guide to addressing the issue of unpaid alimony.

Understanding Alimony in the Legal Context

Alimony, often referred to as spousal support or maintenance, is a critical aspect of family law and post-divorce settlements. It represents a series of financial support payments from one ex-spouse to the other after the dissolution of a marriage. Understanding alimony in the legal context helps individuals grasp its purpose, determination factors, and potential implications.

Purpose of Alimony

Alimony is designed to:

Level the Economic Field: Post-divorce, one spouse might be at an economic disadvantage, especially if they sacrificed career opportunities or advancement to support the other spouse or care for the family.
Transition Assistance: Alimony can be a bridge for a spouse who needs time and resources to reenter the workforce or acquire new skills.

Types of Alimony

Depending on the jurisdiction, there can be various forms of alimony:

Temporary Alimony: Ordered when the spouses are separated but not yet divorced.
Rehabilitative Alimony: Offered for a specific time, enabling a spouse to complete the education or training necessary to become self-supporting.
Permanent Alimony: Ongoing payments, especially in long-term marriages where one spouse might be unable to become fully self-sufficient.
Reimbursement Alimony: Compensation to one spouse for expenses, like education costs, they might have shouldered for the other spouse.

Determining Alimony

Courts consider multiple factors when determining the necessity, amount, and duration of alimony:

Length of the Marriage: Longer marriages often involve significant financial interdependence.
Age and Physical Health: Especially important if an ex-spouse might not realistically reenter the workforce due to age or health issues.
Economic Needs and Abilities: The financial requirements of the spouse seeking alimony and the other spouse’s ability to pay.
Standard of Living: The lifestyle that the couple maintained during their marriage.
Contributions to the Marriage: Not just financial, but also homemaking, child-rearing, and support for the career or education of the other spouse.

Modifying Alimony

Certain life events or changes in circumstances can warrant the modification of alimony:

Income Changes: Significant increase or decrease in the paying spouse’s income.
Cohabitation: If the receiving spouse starts living with a new partner, it might impact the need for alimony.
Remarriage of the Receiving Spouse: Often leads to the termination of alimony.

Alimony and Taxes

It’s essential to understand the tax implications associated with alimony. As of recent U.S. tax reforms, for divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony payments are no longer deductible for the payer and aren’t considered taxable income for the recipient.

Enforcing Alimony

If an ex-spouse defaults on alimony, legal avenues are available to enforce the payment, including wage garnishment, property liens, and even incarceration in some cases.

Steps to Take When Your Ex Defaults on Alimony

When an ex-spouse defaults on alimony, it can place considerable financial strain on the receiving party. Ensuring that you are well-prepared and informed about the subsequent steps to take can expedite the process of recovering owed alimony. Here’s a structured guide to addressing alimony default:

Open Communication

Direct Dialogue: Reach out to your ex-spouse to understand the reasons for the missed payment. Sometimes, genuine hardships, like job loss or medical emergencies, can cause temporary delays.
Written Correspondence: If direct conversations don’t yield results, send a formal letter detailing the missed payments and requesting prompt action.

Document Everything

Record Missed Payments: Maintain a clear, detailed record of each missed or partial payment.
Save Communications: Preserve emails, text messages, or any other correspondence related to the alimony payments.

Consult with an Attorney

Before taking legal action, consult with a family law attorney familiar with alimony cases. They can advise on the best course of action and inform you of your rights.

Mediation

Neutral Facilitation: Consider working with a mediator who can facilitate a conversation between you and your ex-spouse, aiming to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Legal Enforcement

File a Contempt Motion: If your ex-spouse continues to default on alimony, approach the court with a motion for contempt. This motion informs the court that your ex-spouse is violating the divorce decree’s terms.
Income Withholding: The court may order direct income withholding, where a portion of the ex-spouse’s wages is allocated to cover the alimony.
Liens: The court can issue liens against property, ensuring the owed amount is paid before the property can be sold or refinanced.
Tax Refund Interception: The court might divert any tax refunds due to your ex-spouse to cover the alimony arrears.
License Suspensions: As a more severe measure, the court can suspend driving, professional, or even business licenses until the owed alimony is paid.
Jail Time: In extreme cases, the court can order jail time for the defaulting ex-spouse if they continually fail to comply with alimony orders.

Consider Modification

If there are verifiable, substantial changes in the financial situation of your ex-spouse, they can request the court to modify the alimony order. If you believe the changes are genuine, it might be worthwhile to negotiate a new agreement without court intervention.

Plan for Your Financial Stability

Emergency Funds: While you seek legal remedies, ensure you have some savings to tide you over.
Financial Counseling: Consider seeking advice from financial planners to manage your finances during this period.

Protecting Your Financial Well-being

While ensuring alimony payments is crucial, also focus on safeguarding your financial health:

Financial Counseling: Engage with financial advisors to understand how to manage your expenses, savings, and investments during uncertain times.
Stay Insured: Ensure you have health, home, and other necessary insurances in place, especially if your ex-spouse previously handled these.

Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorneys at Cordry Hartman, LLC for a Free and Confidential Consultation About Your Case Today

Alimony defaults can introduce both financial and emotional challenges. While the immediate concern is ensuring financial stability, it’s also about upholding legal agreements and ensuring justice. Cordry Hartman, LLC understands the intricacies of family law and is committed to assisting clients in navigating the complexities of alimony defaults. With a comprehensive approach and dedication to clients’ well-being, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out, and let our expertise guide you toward resolution and peace of mind.