Divorce can be a difficult time for many reasons, including the financial strain it may cause. When a couple separates, it can be challenging to ensure that both parties have their fair share of the assets and resources. This is where spousal support, or alimony, and child support come into play. These payments are intended to help the lower-earning spouse and children maintain their standard of living after the divorce. However, failing to make these payments can have severe consequences that you need to be aware of. In this blog post, we will discuss what happens if you are unable to pay spousal support or child support in Florida.

Spousal Support (Alimony): 



Spousal support is a payment made by one spouse to the other spouse after a divorce to help them maintain their standard of living. The courts determine the amount of spousal support to be paid based on a variety of factors, such as the income and earning capacity of both spouses, the length of the marriage, and the needs of the recipient spouse. If you are unable to make spousal support payments, you need to speak with your attorney as soon as possible to explore your options. Failing to pay spousal support can result in fines, penalties, wage garnishment, and even potential jail time for contempt of court.

Child Support: 

Child support is a payment made by one parent to the other parent after a divorce to help with the costs associated with raising a child. The amount of child support paid is determined by Florida's child support guidelines, which account for the income of both parents, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. If you are unable to pay child support, you need to take immediate action to address the issue. Failure to pay child support can result in wage garnishment, fines, driver's license suspension, and even potential jail time for contempt of court.

Enforcement of Spousal or Child Support Orders: 

If you are not making spousal or child support payments as ordered by the court, the other party can seek enforcement of the order. This can result in wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or even contempt of court charges. If you are facing enforcement action, it is critical that you seek legal counsel immediately to represent your interests and avoid further consequences.

Remedies for Unpaid Support: 

In Florida, the state has several remedies available to help collect unpaid child or spousal support. These remedies include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, and even suspension of professional licenses. Additionally, the state can work with the IRS to intercept tax refunds or work with other states to enforce support orders across state lines.

It is crucial to pay spousal and child support promptly and in full. If you are struggling to make payments, speak with your attorney as soon as possible to explore your options. The courts take non-payment of spousal and child support very seriously, and the consequences can be severe. At the Law Offices of Robert L. Bogen, our team of knowledgeable family law attorneys has the experience needed to assist Florida residents with their spousal and child support matters. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.