Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: Ex Wife harrassment

Does the decree change her name? If it does, then her name is changed, but what may be happening is she has not notified government agencies and businesses that she has changed her name. However, names have nothing to do with who owes what. Your former spouse changing her name will have no effect on that. The decree should define who between the two of you is responsible for certain debts, but nothing in the decree prevents a collector from pursuing either of you for debts accrued during the marriage. (The courts may not take an action in derogation of the interests of creditors). If she is not paying bills that were assigned to her in the decree, you can file a motion to compel performance. You could pay the bills and sue her under the hold harmless clause of your decree (if you have one). It sounds like you and your former spouse may be on the road to a bankruptcy.