Many Americans have lost their jobs and financially struggled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are also expected to pay alimony to your former spouse, you may find yourself in an even more challenging situation. Thankfully, you can ask the court for help if you cannot continue to fulfill this obligation amidst this global crisis.
Asking the Court for Help
If you were affected by COVID-19 and cannot pay alimony, you can try to address the matter with your former spouse first. However, if your ex refuses to agree to a reduction or temporary postponement, you will have to ask the court for help.
Below are some of the ways in which family court can provide relief:
- Temporary reduction: If your financial troubles were caused by the pandemic, your situation may improve once it is under control and the world fully reopens. Therefore, a judge may grant a temporary reduction to your alimony payments and, once your income returns to normal, your alimony payments may return to the original amount.
- Suspension of collection: In some cases, the court may allow your alimony payments to continue, but suspend collection or enforcement efforts. You will still be responsible to make these payments, but without the pressure of ensuring they are made on time. For a recipient who is also experiencing financial hardships, this may be an ideal situation.
Keep in mind that, if you were laid off from your job, this may not be sufficient enough of a reason to reduce your alimony payments, particularly if you have a severance package. If you are receiving more through unemployment than you earned when you were employed, there may even be a chance that your alimony payments may increase, which is why it is important to hire an experienced attorney to handle your case.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Family Law Attorney About Your Alimony Case Today!
If you were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are seeking a reduction in payments, do not hesitate to reach out to the family law team at the Law Offices of Elaine Stypula. Our attorney has more than two decades of experience and a history of proven results. You can rely on us to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Reach out to our law office today at (248) 565-3800 to set up a free initial case review with our attorney.