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What happens if my former spouse fails to make alimony payments?

On Behalf of | Sep 18, 2015 | Spousal Support

Alimony is awarded to spouses when the courts feel as though it is necessary. By using a number of factors, judges determine if alimony will be awarded and how much will be paid each month. Even though in the court order, it may clearly state which spouse has the legal obligation to pay spousal support every month, there is still a chance that they will ignore what the judge says and not make payments.

Alimony is something that is court ordered, but unlike child support, people may not be forced to pay due to there being a lack of enforcement mechanisms. What this means is that while a person may be court ordered to pay alimony, courts tend to not garnish wages or use liens to get a person to pay. If a spouse is experiencing difficulties getting the other to make alimony payments, then they may take them back to court.

If someone has been court-ordered to pay alimony, then they should do so. Failure to make these payments affects both parties involved in a number of ways. One of which being that both will end up back in court spending valuable time to resolve something that the court has already decided upon.

Should you feel that you deserve alimony from your former spouse, you should speak to an attorney regarding the matter. Alimony is a good way to help people stay on their feet following a divorce, so if you were not the wage earner in the marriage, it is only right that you be awarded alimony. An attorney may be able to help you win your case and get you the money you deserve.

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