Money often becomes a huge issue following divorce, especially when it comes to spousal support. And like most court orders, once in place, it’s difficult to modify alimony. That said, some people take it upon themselves to change things up, which isn’t always a great idea.
Rick Jones, one of our founding partners, makes regular appearances on the Danny Bonaduce and Sarah Morning Show, where he answers family law questions from listeners. A recent caller is owed a significant amount by his ex-wife. He started to take money out of his regular spousal support payments to recoup what he’s owed.
What he wants to know is, will he get in legal trouble for that decision?
Check Out the Conversation:
Caller: “I got divorced in Oregon in 2017. Everything was fine, alimony was set on a sliding scale for ten years. But she owes me $5,000 in legal fees. She moved to Hawaii, I have no way of contacting her, and I can’t afford a private investigator to serve her papers for the $5,000.
“I’ve been paying $1,200 in alimony. I decided to pay $1,100, and take $100 a month out until the $5,000 is paid for. Am I going to get in any kind of trouble for doing that?”
Rick: “Yes. You might. Depends on who’s gauging. If there’s somebody involved in tracking your spousal support payments. Are you paying them through the state of Oregon?”
Caller: “No, I’m actually paying them through my daughter, who has a joint account with my ex wife.”
Rick: “Well, you know, just like you’re talking about not really having the resources to file an action to collect this $5000, the shoe can be on the other foot as well. I very rarely recommend self-help, and if there was state involvement on this I wouldn’t recommend it. But at this particular point in time, she’s sort of got a choice, right?
“If she wanted to take you to court, she could go back to court and say, ‘Hey, look, he’s shorting me $100 a month,’ and your response would be, ‘Yeah, I am, and that’s because she owes me $5000.’
So she really has no incentive to take you back to court on this. And ultimately, especially if the $100 a month is relatively small potatoes. I just don’t see her doing it.
[Disclaimer: We do not recommend following this course of action. If you have an issue with your spousal support payments, consult an attorney and follow the proper legal channels to address them.]Related Reading: “My Ex Agreed To Pay Off Shared Debt Then Declared Bankruptcy.”
Related Reading: Spying, Destruction of Property, and Restraining Orders: An Epic Divorce Saga