Can you help me collect alimony?
QUESTION:
I have contacted you before and never proceeded with action. I have been divorced since 2008, with rewarded permanent alimony of $750 a month. I have tried and have been in court with my ex several times for contempt of court. The alimony is to come out of his pay check, but never happens cause he says he works as a consultant. At present time I am owed $115,000. I can not afford a lawyer to do this for me and can’t afford to keep taking time off of work for court dates that do nothing for me. I also have a seizure disorder and the stress make my seizures worse. I don’t get any public assistance. I have none of my court papers so I can’t even tell you my case number. I want to know if you will be able to help? He is on marriage #3 and not sure if he pays anything to wife #2. I know that his house was foreclosed on a couple of years ago, but not sure if he has any money.
I would appreciate an answer from you by e-mail at first letting me know if this is something that you might be able to help with and what options are out there for me.
Thank you.
Jane S., Oregon
OUR ANSWER:
Hi Jane,
Thank you for reaching out to us again. In order to provide an assessment of the case, I really need more info. I have no idea where you or the ex reside or where the order is from. What I can tell you is that the case will be challenging based on the info you have provided. Private agencies look for income and assets to collect from and in addition, try to work out a payment plan with the ex. If he has other alimony cases, we will be potentially fighting to collect against the other claims. Is collecting possible, potentially yes, it will depend on what we can find to work with and how he responds since he is self-employed. We would not prosecute for non-payment, that would need to be done with the county of they are willing to do so or a private attorney.
Is it worth the shot to see what can be done – YES. We will not know what can be done until we try. Please just keep in mind that this is not an easy case but every case is worth the review
I look forward to hearing from you,
Toni O.
Director of Client Care