Ex-Wife on $1,460 Social Security Battles Millionaire Ex Over Alimony
A woman receiving $1,460 monthly in Social Security says her millionaire ex-husband, 74, refuses to pay court-ordered alimony. Here's what experts say.
A woman living on a fixed Social Security income of $1,460 a month is seeking legal recourse after her wealthy ex-husband, 74, allegedly stopped paying alimony despite holding assets worth millions, according to a reader question published by MarketWatch. The stark financial imbalance — her near-poverty income against his multimillion-dollar balance sheet — raises urgent questions about alimony enforcement in the United States.
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court-ordered obligation, and refusing to pay it can expose the non-compliant party to serious legal consequences including wage garnishment, asset seizure, and even contempt of court charges. For a recipient living on Social Security alone, the stakes are extraordinarily high, as that monthly benefit may represent their entire financial lifeline.
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Legal experts generally advise that the first step in situations like this is returning to family court to file a motion for enforcement. Because the ex-husband's financial disclosures reportedly show significant assets, an attorney could potentially seek garnishment of investment income, bank accounts, or other holdings to satisfy the alimony obligation. Courts take a dim view of wealthy individuals who ignore support orders while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
The case also highlights a broader issue facing divorced older women in America, many of whom depend on spousal support as a critical supplement to modest Social Security benefits. When that support disappears — whether through a former spouse's refusal or bad faith — recipients can face financial devastation with limited ability to re-enter the workforce at advanced ages.
If hiring a private attorney is cost-prohibitive, legal aid organizations and state bar referral services may offer low-cost or free consultations for alimony enforcement cases. Some states also allow courts to order the delinquent spouse to cover the recipient's legal fees when willful non-payment is proven. Continue reading at MarketWatch.com
