What to do if ex-spouse is not paying a debt awarded them in the divorce?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What to do if ex-spouse is not paying a debt awarded them in the divorce?

My ex was awarded a credit card debt but is not paying it; now collectors are calling me. What can I do to protect myself? Isn’t it contempt of court?

Asked on September 8, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Texas

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

It is indeed a violation of a court order, if the decree awarded the debt to your ex - and the judge can hold your ex in contempt if he or she chooses to do so if you choose to go back to court to enforce the order.  The only way here you can protect yourself is to deal with your ex and the order before the judge again. You are going to have to sue to enforce the order.  Remember, though, that the debt collector has every right to call you and to collect the debt from you.  They are not party to your agreement or the court's order as to the debt.  They have a valid contract with you and your ex to be liable for the debt "jointly and severally" so they will keep calling and trying to collect.  You could pay and then sue your ex for the money.  An option.  Good luck.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption