What Happens if Spousal Support is Not Paid in Pomona, CA?

Whether you are awaiting unpaid alimony from your former spouse or are struggling to keep up with your court-mandated spousal support payments, it is common to wonder what happens if spousal support is not paid in Pomona, California. Fortunately, a Pomona spousal support lawyer can not only help you get answers to this question but may also be able to direct you toward the steps you may need to take in response to failed alimony payments.

An Overview of Spousal Support in California

Before you go out looking for a lawyer who can answer the question “What happens if spousal support is not paid in Pomona, California?”, you may benefit from learning more about how spousal support cases work in California.

Since the 1960s, the percentage of cases where spousal support has been granted has declined overall. Almost 25% of all cases received spousal support back then, but now only approximately 10% of cases do. Forbes stated that of the 400,000 people who were granted post-divorce spousal support, only 3% of them were men. This means that 97% of those receiving spousal support are female. These numbers highlight how family law has shifted over the years, especially in relation to financial obligations after divorce.

What Happens if Spousal Support Is Not Paid in Pomona, California?

In accordance with California law, failure to pay any amount of court-ordered spousal support can lead to serious consequences, such as asset seizure, wage garnishment, and possible jail time if an individual is found to be in contempt of court.

The specific enforcement actions and penalties are handled by the court system in Los Angeles County at the Los Angeles County Superior Court – East District – Pomona Courthouse South. Here are some examples of the more immediate consequences one may face for failing to make court-mandated spousal support payments:

• Accruing interest: According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 685.010, a 10% annual interest rate is added to all overdue spousal support payments, causing the total debt to increase significantly over time.
• License suspension: In more extreme cases, the California court system has the power to suspend a non-paying spouse’s driver’s or professional licenses until the debt is paid in the hopes that it will prompt that individual to make the payment immediately.
• Negative credit impact: If an individual has not been making spousal support payments, they can be reported to credit bureaus. This may damage the credit score of the non-paying spouse, affecting their ability to secure loans.
• Being found in contempt of court: This is by far the most extreme consequence one may face for failure to keep up with their alimony payments. Court-ordered spousal support is binding, which means that anyone who willfully and knowingly does not uphold the agreement can be found in contempt of court.

How Can I Address Non-Payment?

If you are the spouse awaiting payments, here are some steps you can take to pursue the enforcement of your spousal support agreement:

• Hire a spousal support lawyer: The legal world can be confusing and overwhelming, but having a spousal support lawyer walk you through it can cut back on some of the stress you may have otherwise experienced. These lawyers also understand how enforcement issues may overlap with other family law concerns, such as child support or child custody.
• Gather documentation: Before you take legal action, you will want to gather all relevant court orders, keeping a detailed record of any missing payments, as well as the dates and amounts of said payments.
• File a motion: With the help of your lawyer, you can file a “Request for Order” with the Los Angeles County Superior Court – East District – Pomona Courthouse South, requesting that they take action to enforce your existing spousal support order.

Why Should I Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer in Pomona, California?

Change happens all the time, and it is possible that, while you would like to keep up with your current spousal support agreement, you just can’t seem to manage it since your circumstances have changed.

Why Should I Choose All American Law?

All American Law has the unique ability to give you access to a wide range of resources while simultaneously tailoring our approach to your needs.

FAQs

Will I Go to Jail if I Do Not Pay Spousal Support in California?

Yes, there is a possibility that you could be sent to jail for not paying court-mandated spousal support, as you can be charged with being in contempt of court, but this is often the last resort. Hiring a spousal support lawyer from the All American Law legal team can also help protect you from the risk of serving prison time, as well as help you to rework a spousal support agreement so that you can better afford payments moving forward.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer in Pomona, CA?

Spousal support cases tend to be unique in Pomona, CA, and the cost of hiring a spousal support lawyer tends to mirror this reality. The amount of time your case needs, the level of complexity it presents, and who you choose to represent you are all common influential factors in spousal support cases. When you enlist the help of All American Law, we work hard to help you achieve your desired outcomes in a way that makes every expenditure feel worthwhile.

How Can I Enforce a Spousal Support Order in California?

Enlisting the help of a spousal support lawyer is a great first step to take when you are hoping to enforce your former spouse’s court-mandated alimony payments. Next, you and your lawyer can file a Request for Order form with your local branch of the California court system before serving your former spouse with said order. This way, the court can pursue action on your behalf against the individual who has been withholding their required spousal support payments.

How Long Will My Spousal Support Case Take to Resolve in California?

Each spousal support case tends to have its own unique timeline that factors in a wide variety of variables and circumstances that can influence how long a case needs to resolve. Your timeline may be impacted by outside things, such as the availability of your local branch of the California court system and the schedules of the other parties involved.

Hiring All American Law can mean protecting your case from additional missteps and the resulting unwanted setbacks.

Get More Information Today

Contact All American Law today to schedule a consultation.