In an ideal world, two people come out of a divorce planning to respect all the terms in their separation agreement. The unfortunate reality is that conflict, stubbornness, or a substantial change in circumstances can prevent an ex-spouse from doing or providing what was originally promised. If your ex-spouse is not following the terms of your divorce decree, you can file a lawsuit asking a judge to enforce the agreement.
A Syracuse post-divorce disputes lawyer from the Colwell Law Group, LLC, could help you enforce or modify an existing agreement in such a way that allows you to move forward with peace of mind. We understand how frustrating it can be when ex-spouses have conflicting views about the terms of their divorce. Whether a dispute involves child support, custody, spousal maintenance (formerly known as alimony), or property division, our experienced divorce attorneys have the skills and training to help you overcome this conflict and protect your rights.
After two people get divorced, disagreements can still arise when it comes to carrying out agreed-upon terms. For example, an ex-spouse may have doubts about the feasibility or fairness of the child custody agreement, leading them to withhold the children from seeing their other parent in spite of an existing schedule. One ex-spouse may stop paying child or spousal support, either because they do not want to or do not feel like they can afford to.
Other sources of disputes might stem from how the property was divided. One spouse may fail to give their ex certain assets that were promised to them under the divorce decree. For example, the settlement may award the house or a particular car to one spouse. Our attorneys in Syracuse could help people identify the source of a post-divorce conflict and establish an appropriate plan to resolve it.
If someone is not doing what they promised under the divorce settlement, going to Court may be necessary to enforce the original terms. While people can try to work through their disputes outside of Court, formally and legally enforcing the agreement requires filing a post-decree lawsuit. In this setting, the judge will review evidence regarding the dispute and determine the best way to address it.
New York Domestic Relations Law gives the judge several options when it comes to encouraging an ex-spouse to abide by a divorce Order. For example, in some cases, New York Domestic Relations Law § 244-B gives the judge the authority to ask the government to suspend someone’s driver’s license if they fail to pay child support for four months.
Resolving post-divorce conflicts without the help of a lawyer can be emotionally and physically draining for people in Syracuse. While working with an attorney does not guarantee any particular outcome, it can help people confidently move through the legal system. For example, an attorney could file the appropriate enforcement paperwork in Court and represent a spouse’s best interests at any hearings.
When you and your spouse decided to end your marriage, you may have hoped your challenges would end with the divorce decree. Unfortunately, if your ex does not respect the terms of the agreement you two made, further legal action may be necessary.
We understand how frustrating it can be to complete the divorce process only to have your ex-spouse neglect their responsibilities or promises. Our experienced family lawyers are here to guide and support you by providing targeted legal advice and pointed solutions. Contact a Syracuse post-divorce disputes lawyer to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Colwell Law
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(518) 462-4242
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