Best option for retrieving awarded items from divorce in a DV situation?

Divorce Forum
1

I had my divorce finalized. I was prepared to walk away from most of my belongings when I left my abusive ex, but the judge awarded me a significant amount of our joint assets which are not in my possession. I would like to get them as I could really use the things awarded to me.

I’ve got my divorce decree with the listed items. I’m wondering what’s the best way to go about attempting to get my things when I don’t want to communicate with my ex and open the door for harassment. I was thinking of trying to coordinate through our attorneys to have items put in the garage and then I just hire a moving company to get the things out of the garage. I will probably need to be there to take inventory, so maybe having a police standby would be a good idea?

Does anyone have a better idea? Also, what’s my recourse if items are purposely destroyed or my ex refuses to give up things awarded to me?

My ex was ordered to pay a significant amount of our community debt. Any ideas on how to enforce that from someone who is very unlikely to pay? I appreciate any and all advice.

2

Call the police and ask for an escort. It’s important to have support when retrieving your items.

3

Caitlin said:
Call the police and ask for an escort. It’s important to have support when retrieving your items.

That sounds like a good plan. I definitely want to be safe during this process.

4

Be sure to document what you took and how you left it. It’s good to have a record.

5

Elaine said:
Be sure to document what you took and how you left it. It’s good to have a record.

I’ll definitely do that. Thanks for the reminder.

6

I’d go with the decree and the police. They should help ensure everything goes smoothly.

7

Lydia said:
I’d go with the decree and the police. They should help ensure everything goes smoothly.

I feel more confident knowing I can rely on the police for this.

8

To collect the money he owes you, you will need to go to court to obtain a judgment for the amount he owes. Then you will need to hire a lawyer to garnish his wages or bank accounts, unless you want to handle it on your own. This can be an expensive process.

9

@Giselle
That’s really helpful. I was worried about how to enforce that.

10

If he damages, destroys, or refuses to turn over the items, you can take him back to court. The judge will hold him in contempt, and you can also file against him in small claims court.

11

Cleo said:
If he damages, destroys, or refuses to turn over the items, you can take him back to court. The judge will hold him in contempt, and you can also file against him in small claims court.

I’m glad to know I have options if things go wrong.

12

You should definitely go with police to retrieve your items. If he doesn’t pay, you go back to court for it.

13

Quinlan said:
You should definitely go with police to retrieve your items. If he doesn’t pay, you go back to court for it.

Thanks for the advice. I’ll make sure to have everything sorted out before I go.