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What if my spouse refuses to pay?

According to family law, you may enforce the support order the same way you could enforce any other judgment.

In family law, the of the most effective ways is to get what is sometimes called a "wage assignment order". This is a court order delivered to his or her employer requiring that the payment be made by the employer directly to you.

Other possibilities include trying to get money from bank accounts, stock accounts, or other property. All of these procedures generally require that you go through an appropriate court procedure - you can't just pick up your ex-spouse's car and sell it.

Finally, if your spouse can afford to pay but doesn't, you may ask the judge to find him or her in contempt of court - which could result in jail time. For more information, consult with a family law attorney in your area.