If your ex stopped paying alimony, what would you do?
Would you call your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer and ask that your ex be forced to pay? Would you call your ex and ask what was going on? Would you send your kids to your ex’s house with a message?
It’s a tough situation, and if it’s happened to you, you know that it’s difficult to deal with. It can throw off your entire budget, particularly if you’re not quite on your feet yet. So what should you do if your ex stops paying alimony during your divorce?
Your First Call: Your Lawyer
If your ex has stopped paying alimony, your first call should be to your attorney. Your lawyer will let you know how (or if) you should broach the subject with your ex and what your next course of action should be.
Make sure you don’t get your kids involved, though. Psychologists say that keeping them as insulated from your divorce as possible is the best way to help them adjust. Using kids as messengers is extremely harmful; divorce is between you and your ex, no matter how old your children are.
What Might Happen if Your Ex Stops Paying Alimony?
Only your lawyer can give you case-specific advice, but your ex may be held in contempt of court if he or she fails to pay the court-ordered amount. Your attorney will let you know which papers need to be filed and what kind of documentation you need before you go to court.
Some people also choose to ask for their ex to pay their court costs, but again, only your lawyer can tell you whether that might be a good idea in your case. Because every case is different, rely on your lawyer’s extensive experience when he or she gives you advice.
