When your divorce agreement is finalized, you may feel a considerable amount of relief that this process is over. However, as you begin to close this chapter of your life, you may find that your ex-spouse doesn’t hold the same sentiment. If they continue to violate the terms and conditions established by the court for your divorce, it can impact your ability to move forward. As such, if your spouse continually violates the divorce decree, you’ll want to keep reading. You’ll learn what your legal options are and why working with Tampa divorce lawyers is in your best interest during these complicated matters.
What Constitutes a Violation of My Divorce Agreement?
Generally, any time someone does not adhere to the terms and conditions included as part of a divorce decree, it is considered a violation. However, some violations are more common than others, so familiarizing yourself with them can help you stay alert to whether or not your spouse is failing to meet the court-ordered decree.
One of the most common violations involves alimony. When one spouse is ordered to pay the other following a divorce, it is often a point of contention. As such, the paying spouse may feel like the recipient spouse should not get the money, and fails to pay them. However, this contradicts the orders issued by the court, warranting a violation.
Another common violation impacts couples who share a child; one party may violate the custody agreement included as part of the decree. If your spouse repeatedly fails to return your child on time or is the custodial parent and does not grant visitation despite its inclusion in the agreement, it constitutes a violation.
Finally, you may find that if your ex-spouse is in control of property awarded to you during your divorce, they can be in violation of the agreement in place if they refuse to transfer it to you.
What Should I Do if My Spouse Violates the Divorce Decree?
Should your spouse violate the terms and conditions of your divorce agreement, it’s imperative to understand the steps you should take. Generally, the first thing you should do is document the violation. Next, you can reach out to them to inform them of the violation and ask them to remedy it. Be sure to have this conversation over text or email so you have written proof.
If they still refuse to adhere to the terms and conditions of your divorce agreement, you can petition the court to enforce the agreement. As such, they may hold your ex-spouse in contempt of court while ensuring you get the money or property you are entitled to. This could include garnishing your ex’s wages.
As you can see, this can be a long, frustrating process. As such, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced divorce attorney from the Tampa Law Group. Our team understands that putting your marriage behind you is at the top of your priority list, which is why we will do everything possible to assist you in these matters when your spouse is making matters difficult. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you.
