How is alimony enforced?

Alimony, sometimes referred to as spousal maintenance, is a court-ordered payment that one spouse makes to the other following a divorce. In Washington, alimony is legally enforced through a court order that both parties must comply with. If either spouse fails to abide by the alimony order, the other spouse may apply for a court order requiring the delinquent spouse to make the payments. The court can also order the delinquent spouse to pay penalties, fees, and interest in addition to the original amount of alimony owed. The court may garnish the delinquent spouse’s wages or place a lien on any property they own. The court may also order the delinquent spouse to participate in community service and/or enter an educational program to learn financial skills if the court determines this will help the spouse become self-supporting. Additionally, the court may find the delinquent spouse in contempt of court if they continue to fail to comply with the alimony order and could require them to serve a jail term. In Washington, the Family Support Act of 1997 has also established the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The DSHS is responsible for administering alimony and enforcing the court order by intercepting federal and state income tax refunds and other records. Overall, alimony laws in Washington are strictly enforced by the court to ensure that the alimony is paid in full and on time. The courts have the authority to take legal action if any spouse fails to comply with the alimony order.

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How is alimony enforced?

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