A Close Look into the Consequences of Not Paying Alimony in NJ
Divorce often comes with several different repercussions: emotional, legal, or financial. For many, paying alimony can be one of the most confusing aspects of divorce.
Alimony, or spousal support, is common in divorces where one party’s income is significantly lower than the other’s. Alimony payments are court-ordered, and the state of New Jersey has strict measures in place to ensure the payments are made.
So what are the consequences of not paying alimony? Read on to learn more and find out the answer.
What Are the Consequences of Not Paying Alimony?
What happens if you don’t pay alimony in NJ? There could be severe consequences, and it’s essential to know them, so you aren’t caught off guard.
If your alimony payment is two to three days late, you will not face legal action. However, it would be best to communicate with your ex-spouse that this payment will be late and why. For example, if you’re facing financial stress via job loss or a lowered salary, let your ex-spouse know and consider filing for a motion for modification.
As a side note, if you know you may be prone to forgetting payments, consider having your salary garnished.
After 30 days, your ex-spouse can contact an attorney. After that, you may have to explain why you haven’t made payments before a judge in a court of law. If you can’t give a good reason, you may start having to pay daily fines until you begin making alimony payments.
Continued court-ordered spousal support not paid can result in more serious consequences. These can include losing your driver’s license, financial assets, property loss, and more extended alimony payment periods. Furthermore, you will have to reimburse all missed payments.
Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Spousal Support?
There is a possibility of jail time if you fail to make alimony payments. However, incredibly rare.
The jail card is only used when it becomes clear after many other penalties that the payer voluntarily blows off payments. Then, during the time in jail, payments will not need to be paid. For this reason, jail is the last resort.
However, if you face extended jail time, the alimony debt will add up. When you are released, these monies will still be owed. Maybe not a risk you want to take.
Legal Help for Those Who Can’t Pay Spousal Support
Now you have an answer to the question, “What are the consequences of not paying alimony?” If you’re in a position where you have to pay alimony, these consequences may worry you. It may be especially concerning if your financial situation is making payments impossible.
The family law and divorce attorneys at Dalena and Bosch can help you. We are experts in divorce law and want to help those who need alimony help. Whether you are the spouse receiving the payments or the spouse required to pay the alimony, we can help you either get your money, contest your alimony orders or have them modified.
If alimony payments have you in a financial bind or other, contact Dalena & Bosch today to discuss your alimony case.