When Your Ex Won’t Pay Spousal Support
When a court orders spousal support, both of you are expected to follow the terms. Our compassionate Port Orchard, WA family lawyer knows that if your ex has stopped making payments or is paying inconsistently, it can quickly become frustrating and create financial stress. If you’re in this situation, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and take action. We have over 50 years of family law experience, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our office now.
Gather Your Records First
Start by collecting all relevant documents. You’ll want a copy of your spousal support order and a record of all payments made—or missed. This might include bank statements, payment apps, written communication, or any receipts. If your support is handled through the court or a state agency, they may have a payment history available, but it’s still helpful to keep your own records.
Reach Out If It’s Safe
Sometimes, a missed payment is the result of a temporary issue or simple oversight. If you feel comfortable and safe doing so, you might consider reaching out to your ex to ask about the missed support. This can sometimes resolve the issue without further steps. However, if there’s a history of conflict or the communication might cause stress or harm, it’s okay to skip this and go straight to legal action.
Ask The Court To Step In
If your ex won’t pay voluntarily and the situation doesn’t improve, you can file a motion with the court to enforce the order. This is usually done by filing a motion for contempt. A judge will review your case and determine whether your ex has violated the support order. If they have, the court can order them to pay the overdue amount and possibly apply other penalties.
Use Enforcement Tools Like Wage Garnishment
When a judge finds that support hasn’t been paid, there are tools available to help collect it. The court can order wage garnishment, meaning the support is taken directly from your ex’s paycheck. In some cases, they might also intercept tax refunds or place liens on property. These options are especially helpful if the support payments have stopped for a long time or your ex refuses to cooperate.
Work With A Lawyer To Get Help
Dealing with unpaid support on your own can be overwhelming. A family law attorney can help you file the right documents, represent you in court, and walk you through all the legal options available to recover the money you’re owed. The team at Robinson & Hadeed has helped many clients enforce spousal support orders and protect their financial stability. If your ex isn’t following the court order, don’t wait to take action. Spousal support is a legal obligation, and you have every right to receive what the court awarded you. When it comes to difficult cases, other attorneys send their cases to us! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward getting the support you deserve.
