Legal Question in Family Law in California

The supported spouse has two options, neither of which are mutually exclusive. They can enforce the spousal support award in the same manner that civil judgments are enforced, and additionally they can bring contempt proceedings. Your ability to pay becomes an issue of defense to the contempt proceedings.

If you were unable to pay the current court-ordered support because of a change of your financial circumstances, you should immediately file a motion to downward modify the support. Please meet with an experienced family law attorney to explore your legal options.