Will My Ex Stop Paying Alimony After Filing for Bankrupty?

For many divorced spouses, receiving regular alimony payments is a critical aspect of retaining their standard of living after a divorce is finalized. That said, if your ex recently filed for bankruptcy, there’s a chance they may now claim they are unable to continue making regular alimony payments. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re most likely very worried about your financial future. Please continue reading and reach out to an experienced Bergen County alimony lawyer from our firm to learn more about whether your ex can stop paying alimony after filing for bankruptcy and how our firm can help. Here are some of the questions you may have:

Is my ex allowed to stop making alimony payments after filing for bankruptcy?

In bankruptcy, there are two types of debts: dischargeable and non-dischargeable. Essentially, a dischargeable debt is a debt that can be cleared away after completing the bankruptcy process. Typically, credit card debt is considered dischargeable debt. Non-dischargeable debt cannot be wiped away by filing for bankruptcy.

In most cases, domestic support obligations, like child support and spousal support (alimony) cannot be wiped away by filing for bankruptcy. Therefore, even if your ex has filed for bankruptcy, he or she will most likely have to continue paying alimony. If your ex has refused to pay alimony at this point, there’s a strong chance you can hold him or her accountable. Our firm can help you do so.

Under what circumstances can my ex stop paying alimony?

There are a variety of circumstances that may warrant the termination of alimony, despite bankruptcy usually not being one of them. Just some scenarios that may warrant the termination of or modification to your alimony agreement are as follows:

  • You recently remarried
  • You got a higher-paying job
  • You came into a large sum of money, such as a large inheritance
  • Your ex requires costly medical treatment
  • The agreed-upon alimony term has come to an end

If you have any additional questions or you believe your ex is refusing to make payments to which you are entitled, simply pick up the phone and give us a call or contact our Bergen County family lawyers online today. We’re prepared to help you through each phase of the legal process ahead.

Contact our experienced New Jersey firm

We understand how confusing certain legal issues can be, which is why we are dedicated to providing individuals with the compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation they deserve. Aronsohn, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman has helped clients with various difficult legal challenges for over 40 years. We know we have the experience needed to do the same for you. For experienced legal counsel regarding family law, litigation, business law, real estate, and criminal law, you know where to turn–contact Aronsohn, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman today to schedule a consultation.