Need some legal help/advice please!

[mmorris3011]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
I was in a very bad car accident while I was married and received a small settlement from the insurance company because I had 3 surgeries and lost the baby I was carrying at the time. I used that money to start a company for my husband, and I bought all the equipment with that money also. A year later we were divorced and it was court ordered that either upon the sale of the company or if not sold within 4 years he was to pay a small portion back to me. I know that he has since sold all the equipment, but the name is just inactive. I am a full time student and work full time also. I am not stingy at all, I only asked for a small portion back cuz I know it supported us both for a year. I could really use the money because I need surgery again and do not have insurance. I don't know how to prove that he sold everything nor does the name show up under a new owner. Can someone help me please, I would greatly appreciate it

[Gracie3787]

Originally Posted by mmorris3011

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
I was in a very bad car accident while I was married and received a small settlement from the insurance company because I had 3 surgeries and lost the baby I was carrying at the time. I used that money to start a company for my husband, and I bought all the equipment with that money also. A year later we were divorced and it was court ordered that either upon the sale of the company or if not sold within 4 years he was to pay a small portion back to me. I know that he has since sold all the equipment, but the name is just inactive. I am a full time student and work full time also. I am not stingy at all, I only asked for a small portion back cuz I know it supported us both for a year. I could really use the money because I need surgery again and do not have insurance. I don't know how to prove that he sold everything nor does the name show up under a new owner. Can someone help me please, I would greatly appreciate it

Is/was his business licensed with the State and County?

If it is, check to see if the license(s) are still current.

You can file a motion for contempt, and request documentation that he still owns the business and the equipment. It will be up to him to prove to the court that he has obeyed the court order.

[mmorris3011]

yes the business was licensed with the county and state. they are both inactive now. I just don't know how to prove what equipment he had since he has the receipts for all of it. I was looking at filing the motion for contempt but didn't know for sure how to really prove that he wasn't abiding since he has the only proof of what there was. thank you for your help

[Gracie3787]

Originally Posted by mmorris3011

yes the business was licensed with the county and state. they are both inactive now. I just don't know how to prove what equipment he had since he has the receipts for all of it. I was looking at filing the motion for contempt but didn't know for sure how to really prove that he wasn't abiding since he has the only proof of what there was. thank you for your help

How long have you been divorced?

Has at least 4 years gone by?
If not, since he hasn't sold the business, you might not be able to file for contempt yet.

The best thing to do will be for you to take your court order to a local attorney for a quick consult to see what your options are.
You can get a low cost consult by calling the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.

[LdiJ]

This whole thread just disturbs me no end.

The settlement that she recieved was designed to cover her future needs as a result of the accident. It never should have been invested in a business at all. It should have been placed in a separate account in her name only.

I am stating this to make a point for anyone else who reads this thread in the future.

[mmorris3011]

It has not been 4 years yet. I have contacted local attorneys and they all want at least $300 for a consult, and I cannot afford that at this time. I know I should have put it in a separate account for my future medical expenses. My father in law was sick with cancer and dying so we were trying to find extra money to help him with treatment and pay his bills. I don't regret helping my father in law because I loved him dearly, but sure wish I wouldn't have invested all of the money. thank you all so much for the help and feedback. I sure got myself into a sticky situation