What will happen to me if I decide not to pay my court-ordered spousal support? The consequences may actually be more serious then one might imagine. The non-payment of spousal support is treated as contempt of the court. As such, you could be sanctioned or even charged criminally for non-payment. The reason is that California considers such contempt proceedings to be “quasi-criminal” in nature.

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 1218 and 1219, “A party subject to a valid court order who, with knowledge of the order and the ability to comply, fails to comply with the terms of the order is subject to contempt adjudication and statutory contempt penalties.” Thus, if you willfully do not pay your spousal support, the other party may bring contempt proceedings against you. When you appear in court, you will be arraigned and have to answer to these charges.

Due to the quasi-criminal contempt of court proceedings approach taken by California Courts, it is important that you hire an experienced knowledgeable family law attorney immediately upon being noticed with contempt proceedings against you for lack of payment of spousal support, etc. If you or a loved one needs assistance with a spousal support and/or contempt issue, or any other family law issue please call Wallin and Klarich at 888-749-7428 any time! Wallin and Klarich has been in the business of helping people with their family law matters for over 30 years and we would like to help you with yours! Call Wallin and Klarich today as we have a team of highly skilled family law attorneys ready to take your call 7 days week, 24 hours a day!