Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

refusing to pay monthly maintenance that was court ordered

I was divorced in washington state in feb 2005, it has been an ongoing struggle to have my ex pay the required monthly ($600) maintenance the court ordered. He has now decided to no longer pay for the next 13 months. What is my recourse


Asked on 6/12/07, 2:40 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: refusing to pay monthly maintenance that was court ordered

Contempt is available as a remedy. He can ultimately be jailed for refusing to obey a court order.

Oddly enough, even persons who swear up and down that they cannot pay will almost always come up with it when they understand that they will land in jail if they don't.

You are also entitled to attorney fees and costs of the motion, plus pre-judgment interest at 12% for his wilful refusal to comply.

This debt is not dischargable in bankruptcy either, so long as it is for maintenance and not a property settlement.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 6/13/07, 10:29 am
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: refusing to pay monthly maintenance that was court ordered

The mechanism to enforce the spousal maintenance is a motion to show cause on contempt. The statutory authority is RCW 26.18.050. There are a few other possible courses depending on whether your former spouse is has a child support obligation, if he does the State Support Registry may be able to assist you with this (if there is no child support involved then this is not an option).

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Answered on 6/12/07, 3:48 pm


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