If I hire an attorney to help me collect alimony, can I make my ex-husband responsible for attorney fees and court costs?
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If I hire an attorney to help me collect alimony, can I make my ex-husband responsible for attorney fees and court costs?
I filed for my own divorce, had my ex-husband served after I hunted him down for hi address. He didn’t contest the divorce so he wasn’t there when the judge awarded me everything asked for in the divorce. I took him back to court for unpaid alimony and the court ordered he pay owed support while at the same time continue to pay monthly support. The judge also deemed he was to notify the court of any changes in address. The ex fail to do so. It has taken me 3 years to find his current address. I feel that I can’t do this on my own anymore.
Asked on May 9, 2012 under Family Law, Utah
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Under the statutes of most states as well as local rules of the given county and state where a child support order or a spousal support order is in effect but is not being honored, the court in its discretion can order the offending person not paying the support order to pay the reasonable costs and attorney's fees of the person bringing the motion to compel compliance with the given support order.
In your matter, there is a good chance that the attorney's fees that you may incur in getting the spousal support order complied with by your former spouse may be ordered to be paid by the court as well by the former spouse. I suggest that you consult with a family law attorney in the county and state where your reside to be sure of this answer.
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