When a couple gets divorced, one of the most contentious issues they may face is the question of alimony, or spousal support. Alimony is the payment that one former spouse makes to the other to help maintain their standard of living after the divorce. This can be a significant expense, especially if the couple was married for a long time or if one spouse has a higher income than the other.
But what happens if the payer doesn’t pay alimony? Are there consequences for failing to make these payments? The answer is yes. Here’s what you need to know.
Legal Consequences of Not Paying Alimony
First and foremost, failing to pay alimony can have serious legal consequences. If the payer is ordered by the court to make alimony payments and fails to do so, they may be held in contempt of court. This can result in fines or even jail time.
The court may also order other penalties for non-payment of alimony. For example, the payer’s wages may be garnished, meaning that a portion of their paycheck will be automatically withheld to cover the unpaid alimony. They may also have their tax refunds seized or have liens placed on their property.
In extreme cases, the payer’s professional license may be suspended or revoked. This can be particularly devastating for individuals who rely on their professional license to earn a living, such as doctors, lawyers, or real estate agents.
Impact on Credit Score
Another consequence of not paying alimony is the impact it can have on the payer’s credit score. If the payer falls behind on their alimony payments, the recipient may report this to the credit bureaus. This can lead to a significant drop in the payer’s credit score, making it more difficult for them to obtain loans or credit in the future.
If the payer continues to fall behind on their alimony payments, they may be forced to declare bankruptcy. This can have long-lasting consequences for their financial future, including difficulty obtaining credit, higher interest rates, and even difficulty finding employment in some cases.
Possible Criminal Charges
In some cases, failing to pay alimony can even result in criminal charges. If the payer willfully refuses to make their alimony payments, they may be charged with a crime, such as fraud or theft. This can result in a criminal record, fines, and even jail time.
Emotional Impact on the Recipient
It’s important to remember that failing to pay alimony can have a significant emotional impact on the recipient. They may be relying on these payments to maintain their standard of living, and non-payment can cause significant stress and financial hardship. It can also lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and betrayal, which can impact their mental health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, failing to pay alimony can have serious consequences. From legal penalties to impacts on credit scores and even criminal charges, the ramifications of non-payment can be far-reaching. If you are ordered to pay alimony as part of a divorce settlement, it’s important to take this responsibility seriously and make every effort to meet your obligations. If you are having difficulty making your payments, it’s important to communicate with your ex-spouse and the court to explore your options and avoid falling into arrears.
Divorce 