Support stopped early - what can be done?

[Hard Times]

I'm in California, divorced 5 years. My ex was ordered to pay spousal support for 6 years. He has degrees, made $110,000 a year + bonus before we split, probably was up to about $180,000 until recently when he left his job for a new one, and got laid off. He contacted me and I agreed to reduce the support amount by 1/3, with the stipulation that it would be made up when he finds a job. When I put it in writing he refused to sign and now says he will stop paying next month if he doesn't have a job. Because of delays in payment and the reduced payments, my credit cards are all in collection and I'm really struggling. I make about $850 a month but during summer my hours are cut way down because of the season here. What can I do to insist that he pays? He must have savings, I know he has well over 130k in retirement savings, and just sold a house. And we were married 11 years, with a 6 year end to support but with courts still retaining jurisdiction - can I do something about an extension at the same time? I tried to work it out nicely with him but I guess he's not going to cooperate. Any help appreciated, thanks

 

[LegalBeagle]

I'm in California, divorced 5 years. My ex was ordered to pay spousal support for 6 years. He has degrees, made $110,000 a year + bonus before we split, probably was up to about $180,000 until recently when he left his job for a new one, and got laid off. He contacted me and I agreed to reduce the support amount by 1/3, with the stipulation that it would be made up when he finds a job. When I put it in writing he refused to sign and now says he will stop paying next month if he doesn't have a job. Because of delays in payment and the reduced payments, my credit cards are all in collection and I'm really struggling. I make about $850 a month but during summer my hours are cut way down because of the season here. What can I do to insist that he pays? He must have savings, I know he has well over 130k in retirement savings, and just sold a house. And we were married 11 years, with a 6 year end to support but with courts still retaining jurisdiction - can I do something about an extension at the same time? I tried to work it out nicely with him but I guess he's not going to cooperate. Any help appreciated, thanks

To get what is currently owed, you can petition the courts via an 'Order to Show Cause' and haul his ass back into court. He will have to explain to a judge why he is not paying.

What I do not understand is how you are relying on this money after 5 years and his non payment has sent you into debt. Also, you have no cause to extend the period. And why should you? 6 years is plenty of time to get back on your feet and learn how to support yourself. You have divorced and there is no reason for him to be supporting you for the rest of your life.