non-payment of spousal support

[km4kids]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania

I was awarded spousal support in 2001 and monies for a business that we started during the marriage. The agreement reads that spousal supports ceases upon death of either party and will be reduced by $1000.00 a month if I remarry or cohabitate, which I have not done. In March, 2009, my ex ceased paying spousal support and monies for the business leaving me in serious financial distress. I use the spousal support with the child support to support our 4 children. I work parttime but not enough to support myself and have not been able to find fulltime work. He is claiming that he is not making any money this year but he reported making a significant amount last year in excess of $200,000 and lives a lavish lifestyle. I have filed a contempt petition myself. I had an attorney but he won't represent me because I owe too much money due to having to fight child custody issues with the ex. I think the ex is trying to bankrupt me in order to get custody of the children so he does not have to pay me anymore. Will the courts in PA enforce the court ordered agreement? Thank you for any help in this matter.

[Proserpina]

Originally Posted by km4kids

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania

I was awarded spousal support in 2001 and monies for a business that we started during the marriage. The agreement reads that spousal supports ceases upon death of either party and will be reduced by $1000.00 a month if I remarry or cohabitate, which I have not done. In March, 2009, my ex ceased paying spousal support and monies for the business leaving me in serious financial distress. I use the spousal support with the child support to support our 4 children. I work parttime but not enough to support myself and have not been able to find fulltime work. He is claiming that he is not making any money this year but he reported making a significant amount last year in excess of $200,000 and lives a lavish lifestyle. I have filed a contempt petition myself. I had an attorney but he won't represent me because I owe too much money due to having to fight child custody issues with the ex. I think the ex is trying to bankrupt me in order to get custody of the children so he does not have to pay me anymore. Will the courts in PA enforce the court ordered agreement? Thank you for any help in this matter.

Nobody can predict what the courts will decide. Sorry, it's just impossible to guess - wait till court, see what happens and go from there.

Expect to be advised to get two jobs. You need to be able to support yourself - neither child support nor spousal support will last forever.

[km4kids]

That wasn't much help.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by km4kids

That wasn't much help.

There isn't much more that anyone could tell you. Apparently your ex is self employed and a lot of self employed people are not doing well at all in this economy.

Therefore, we cannot predict what the outcome will be once all of the facts and figures are in front of a judge.

[nextwife]

I do loss mitigation for delinquent loans, and I see LOTS of people whose businesses literally had the rug pulled out from under them in this economy. Like turning off a faucet. Examples of previously affluent businesses that have tanked: Certain Restaurants, retailers, mortgage brokers, people in real estate, title, home improvement, appraisal, vanity industries, advertising specialties, certain training, lecturing, decorating, furniture, and a whole host of other business where people are not spending money. A successful past is no predictor of a successful present in this economy.

Personally, I had a quarter century of experience as a successful rep in my industry. My three previous employers are now all out of business within the past 12 months, and I am working for about 28% less than before.

[Proserpina]

Originally Posted by km4kids

That wasn't much help.

I further advise you save up some money and pay for least one consult with an attorney.