What happens if the paying spouse fails to make the spousal support payments?

If the paying spouse fails to make the spousal support payments as ordered by the court, California law provides various enforcement methods. The court can issue a wage garnishment order and deduct the money directly from the paying spouse’s paycheck. The court can also order that the paying spouse’s property or bank accounts be seized and the money used to pay the owed spousal support. Furthermore, the court can also put a lien on the paying spouse’s home or other real estate, meaning the paying spouse cannot sell the property until the back payments have been paid off. Additionally, the court can suspend the paying spouse’s driver’s license, professional license, or recreational license until the back payments have been made. If all other enforcement methods fail, the court may issue an attachment of debt, which requires any money the paying spouse may receive due to a claim, settlement, or judgment to be used to pay off the back payments. Ultimately, the court has the power to impose jail time upon the paying spouse if they fail to comply with a court’s payment order.

Related FAQs

Is spousal support taxable?
Can spousal support be enforced through a court order?
What happens if the paying spouse’s income decreases?
Do I need a lawyer to seek spousal support?
Can spousal support be terminated if the paying spouse retires?
How does spousal support factor in when couples separate but don’t divorce?
When does the court consider alimony instead of spousal support?
What happens if the paying spouse manipulates income to reduce spousal support?
Can spousal support be waived in a prenuptial agreement?
What if the paying spouse is unable to make spousal support payments?

What happens if the paying spouse fails to make the spousal support payments?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts