In many states, the procedure for collecting unpaid spousal support are similar to the proceedings for collecting unpaid child support. The first step is always to talk to the other spouse, when possible. He or she may have missed a payment by accident, or have financial strains that make payment difficult. If you can work it out without going to court, it's in everyone's best interests to do so.
If that doesn't work, you can return to court to ask for a contempt-of-court order. This is an order from the judge that punishes the other person for failing to follow a court order. It usually involves a small amount of jail time. Your spousal support lawyer will probably need to help with this.
Finally, many areas have agencies that help divorced people collect unpaid child support payments, and many of these handle spousal support payments as well. These agencies have the power to garnish wages, redirect tax refunds, put a lien on property and take other actions to get the unpaid support. Sometimes they can suspend the driver's license of a "deadbeat" as well. You don't always need a spousal support lawyer to help with this, but having an advocate can make the process go faster and get you your money sooner. |
