Alimony-ex is late (again) or quit paying

[FlSue25]

What is the name of your state? FL

I was awarded (unmodifiable) alimony ($400 monthly) for 7 years after divorcing my husband of 19 years. 1st year of receiving alimony was a joke so I requested payments go through courts. Payments are coming in later and later each month. This creates a big financial hardship for me. Alimony is due on the 15th of each month and considered late after 15 days. It is now three weeks later than the "late" date for June's alimony. I have Contempt of Court papers ready for me to learn how to complete but I feel I should wait until I get advice from the forum.
I'm concerned ex may stop paying all together. I read if this happens, all I can do is get a lien on his house, which would be no big deal for him because he won't sell his house. Ex is not poor (prosperous family business given to him after divorce) so ability to pay is not an issue. I refuse to deal with him directly due to his continued drug and alcohol use. He was also physically abusive during marriage.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

 

[VeronicaGia]

Since you wanted it to go through the courts, you need to find out if it they who are holding up the money. Believe me, you wouldn't be the first to find out the hard way that they are backlogged, lost the check, credited someone else with the money or sent it to the wrong person.