How Often Do Spouses Fail to Pay Alimony in Orlando?

If you are set to receive alimony in Orlando, you might worry about your ex simply refusing to pay. What are the chances of this happening? How many other spouses in similar situations have experienced the same thing? These are valid questions, and you might want to explore them alongside an experienced alimony attorney in Orlando.

Statistics Indicate That Alimony Delinquency Is Quite Common

While statistics regarding child support are much more extensive, they give us an idea of what to expect regarding alimony delinquency. Since both child support and alimony are similar in practice, one can expect similar statistics. Child support delinquencies are quite common, mostly due to poverty. As a result, one can expect an impoverished spouse to struggle in a similar way to make alimony payments.

Alimony Is Now Quite Rare in Florida

Even before the abolition of permanent alimony in Florida, spousal support was relatively rare. Now, the number of spouses who receive these payments is even lower. Not only that, but the spouses who do receive alimony usually only receive these payments for a short period of time. “Rehabilitative” alimony is now the norm, and this type of alimony only lasts for as long as it takes for the receiving spouse to become financially independent.

What Can I Do if My Ex Stops Paying Alimony in Orlando?

You can take various steps if your ex stops paying alimony. First, you should determine whether they have a legal right to stop making these payments. Various changing circumstances could allow this, including your remarriage or an increase in your income. They might also have permission to lower or reduce their payments if they are struggling to earn income, perhaps due to a layoff or disability.

Assuming your ex doesn’t have a legitimate excuse for halting your payments, you could explore legal options to hold them accountable. The court could force them to make their payments and penalize them in various ways. This could include garnishing their wages, suspending their driver’s license, and more.

Consider Lump-Sum Alimony if You’re Worried About Delinquency

If you’re worried about your ex not paying their alimony, you might want to explore lump-sum alimony during your divorce. With this approach, you’ll receive all of your alimony at once instead of gradually over time. This ensures you receive everything, with no chance of delinquency down the road.

Your Alimony Will Probably End Soon Anyway 

With all that said, it may not make sense to fight in court for unpaid alimony if these payments are set to end soon anyway. Since most alimony doesn’t last for very long in Florida, you should consider the legal fees involved and weigh them against your unpaid alimony. If the cost of exploring litigation is greater than the alimony you’re owed, it obviously doesn’t make much sense.

Can an Alimony Attorney in Orlando Help Me? 

If you’re worried about not receiving alimony or your ex has already stopped making these payments, an experienced alimony attorney in Orlando may be able to help. These legal professionals may be able to assess your situation and determine potential strategies to ensure your financial stability after divorce. Consider expanding on this conversation with Steve Marsee, P.A. today.

Source:

 leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html