If you and your former spouse cannot seem to agree on spousal support issues, or if you believe that your former spouse is not delivering on his or her spousal support obligations, it can prove very, very frustrating. Many spouses who are owed support feel trapped without many options to compel their ex to pay the alimony they need to rebuild their life and move on.
Fortunately, there are a number of methods the law provides for compelling a spouse to pay alimony. The first thing to consider before you move forward is your ex’s actual ability to pay the alimony you deserve. In many cases, a spouse falls behind on spousal support because he or she hits hard times and faces difficulty staying on top of financial obligations. Sometimes the best way to get back on track is to fairly acknowledge the struggles of the other party and offer a compromise that the owing spouse can agree to and meet consistently. This can also help you avoid unnecessary legal costs.
However, this is not always the wisest approach. In some cases, you may need to bring the power of the law to bear. This is usually more possible with the guidance of an experienced attorney who understands the tools the law provides to compel a spouse to pay spousal support. You may need to meet with your ex in the presence of an attorney for him or her to grasp the gravity of the situation, especially considering that failing to pay alimony can result in criminal charges.
An experienced attorney can help you determine what approach may best serve your needs. With proper legal counsel, you can assess the circumstances and determine strong strategies for moving forward, protecting your rights and privileges.
Source: Findlaw, “How to Resolve Spousal Support Issues out of Court,” accessed Nov. 17, 2017