Going through a divorce is emotionally and financially exhausting. When the court awards you alimony (spousal support), it isn’t a suggestion—it’s a legally binding order designed to help you maintain your standard of living and get back on your feet.
When an ex-spouse suddenly stops making those payments, it can feel like the ground is slipping out from under you. If you are a Nevada resident facing this stressful situation, you do not have to just sit back and take it. The Silver State has strict laws to ensure court orders are enforced. Here is what happens—and what you can do—if your ex refuses to pay.
1. Interest and Financial Penalties Accumulate
In Nevada, alimony payments that are missed don’t just vanish; they become "arrearages." Under Nevada law, any unpaid spousal support automatically accrues interest. Your ex won't just owe you the original amount; they will also be on the hook for legal interest rates on every single missed payment.
2. Income Withholding (Wage Garnishment)
One of the most effective ways to get the money you are owed is through an income withholding order. The Nevada family courts can order your ex-spouse’s employer to deduct the alimony amount directly from their paycheck before they even see it. This money is then sent directly to you, bypassing your ex’s ability to withhold it.
3. Contempt of Court Charges
Because alimony is a court order, refusing to pay it means your ex is willfully violating the law. You can file a Motion to Show Cause for Contempt. If the judge finds your ex in contempt of court, the consequences can be severe. To protect your rights, the court can issue penalties, including:
Fines
A requirement to pay your attorney’s fees
Jail time (in extreme cases of willful non-payment)
4. Liens and Asset Seizure
If your ex has the money but is simply hiding it or refusing to write the check, the court can authorize liens on their property. This means if they try to sell a house or a vehicle, you get paid from the proceeds first. The court can also order the seizure of funds directly from their bank accounts or intercept their state tax refunds.
What You Should Do Right Now
If your ex has stopped paying, do not make informal verbal agreements to accept less money or pause payments without a court-approved modification. Keep meticulous records of every missed payment, text message, or email regarding the support.
Note: Even if your ex lost their job, they are legally required to pay the full alimony amount until they formally petition the court for a modification. They cannot just decide to stop paying on their own.
Talk to Alimony Lawyers in Las Vegas
You deserve the financial security that the court promised you. You fought hard for your divorce decree, and you shouldn't have to fight alone to enforce it. The dedicated legal team at Smith Legal Group is here to stand by your side, protect your financial future, and hold your ex accountable.
Contact Smith Legal Group today at (702) 919-5956 to schedule a consultation and get the support you rightfully deserve.
