You are likely relieved that your emotionally and financially tolling divorce proceedings are over and done with, even if you now have to assume the role of alimony payor. However, you may soon come to realize that your alimony order is less than ideal, possibly even causing you to struggle financially. Nonetheless, you may feel trapped by the terms and conditions of this order, with no viable exit strategy. Continue reading to learn the consequences of being unable to afford alimony and how an experienced New York City alimony attorney at Zimmet Law Group, P.C. can help you remain in the good graces of the court.
Under what circumstances might I struggle to meet my alimony order?
As the saying goes, “life goes on” and it is nothing close to stagnant. This is to say that post-divorce, it is expected for your lifestyle to slightly deviate from the one you carried out during your marriage. But what may be unexpected are significant life changes that rock your world and make your alimony order no longer realistic or feasible to meet. Without further ado, specific life circumstances under which you may struggle to meet your alimony order read as follows:
- You were laid off from your long-standing employment; and now temporarily work at a job earning you significantly less than your previous net income.
- You were diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness; now having to pay for expensive medical bills and being forced to take extended time off of work.
- You have reached the retirement age of 62; and now finding it best for your physical, mental, and emotional health to slow down work-wise.
What are the consequences if I cannot afford to pay alimony?
Unfortunately, even if you must endure any of the significant, negative life changes mentioned above, the New York family court may still expect you to fulfill your duties as an alimony payor. This is until you officially file a post-judgment modification with the court; and then only if the court approves of such a modification. In the meantime, you must continue to abide by your current order. Otherwise, you may face the following consequences:
- You may be held in contempt of court:
- The court may order your wages to be garnished.
- The court may order your tax refunds to be seized.
- The court may order the suspension of your driver’s license.
- The court may order you to serve jail time for up to six months.
- The court may order an immediate lien on your bank accounts or properties.
Whenever you are ready, one of the skilled New York City matrimonial and family law attorneys is here to provide legal assistance. So please schedule your initial consultation with us at Zimmet Law Group, P.C. today.
