If you are ordered by the court to make
alimony payments, you may feel that owing payments is unjust. While you have an
opportunity to appeal the decision or seek modification later on (due
to a significant change in circumstances), intentionally stopping payments
can result in serious consequences.
If you fail to pay spousal support, you may be subjected to the following
penalties:
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Contempt of court – The judge may find you in contempt of court, which is punishable
by a brief stay in jail and/or a fine.
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Wage garnishment – The court could also order the money to directly be extracted from
your regular payment. Your employer will be instructed to withhold the
alimony amount form your check and send it directly to the receiving spouse.
-
Asset seizure – The judge may order that any of your valuable assets be seized
and used as alimony payments. These include physical property, rental
income, bank balances, dividends, and royalties.
-
Property liens – The court can place a lien on your property, which will prevent
the sale of the property until you pay alimony
-
Tax refund designation – The court can use the tax refund you receive to pay for alimony.
If you’re having a difficult time making regular alimony payments,
you have several options available. A skilled
family law attorney can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of
action. If you have a legitimate reason to get your payments reduced or
eliminated (i.e. lost your job, experienced a pay cut, suffered a serious
injury), a lawyer can help!
If you are interested in modifying your original divorce decree in Florida,
contact our Daytona Beach family law attorney at Law Offices of Robert Stepniak today.