Enforcing Fort Lauderdale Alimony Payments When An Ex Falls Behind

Alimony can help you recover financially after a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, but what happens when your ex falls behind on payments?

Fortunately, you have enforcement options under Florida law. Broward County family court judges take violations of alimony orders seriously. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale alimony attorney explains your rights and the legal consequences your ex could face.

Why Your Ex Cannot Simply Stop Making Alimony Payments in Fort Lauderdale

When a judge requires one party to pay alimony in a Fort Lauderdale divorce, it’s not a suggestion. It is a court order with the full force of Florida law behind it. Under Florida Statutes Section 61.14, failure to comply with a court-ordered alimony obligation is a violation of that order, and your ex cannot simply stop paying or adjust the amount because their circumstances have changed.

If your ex believes a modification is warranted, they must file a petition with the Broward County Family Court and continue making payments until a judge rules otherwise. Enforcement options available if they refuse to follow the court order include:

• If your ex can pay and is willfully refusing, you can file a Motion for Civil Contempt with the Broward County family court, which can result in fines, required payments, and, in some cases, incarceration.
• Under Florida Statutes Section 61.12, the court can issue an income withholding order that directs your ex’s employer to deduct alimony from each paycheck.
• When wages are unavailable or insufficient, Florida courts can authorize the garnishment of bank accounts, the filing of liens on real property, and the seizure of other assets to satisfy the debt.
• In certain circumstances, Florida courts can order the interception of your ex’s state or federal tax refund to apply toward outstanding alimony arrears.

In addition to the above, your former spouse could also face driver’s license suspension for refusing to make alimony payments in Fort Lauderdale.

What To Do When Your Ex Stops Making Broward County Alimony Payments

Taking quick action when Fort Lauderdale alimony payments stop protects your rights and prevents arrears from growing into a larger problem. Take these steps as soon as payments fall behind:

• Keep detailed records of every missed or partial payment.
• Get professional legal help in taking enforcement actions through the court.
• File a Motion for Civil Contempt if your ex can pay but has chosen not to.
• Request court costs and legal fees as part of the enforcement action.

Your rights to court-ordered alimony are legally protected. Act quickly and contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale alimony attorney to get the total amount you are owed.

Consult Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Alimony Attorney Today

Alimony can play a key role in divorce recovery. If you have an alimony order and your ex refuses to pay, contact the Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A., right away.

Our experienced Fort Lauderdale alimony attorney helps clients throughout Broward County take enforcement actions and get the payments they deserve. To discuss your situation and the options available, request a consultation today.

Sources:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/61.14

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/61.12