Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice or thoughts on my situation because it feels like I will be in court over my kids until they turn 18. I’ve been divorced for over two years now, but the case has dragged on with continuous motions and hearings. My ex is still fighting every little thing in court, despite being broke and unable to pay the judgments ruled in my favor. At this point, he owes me around $15,000 in court and attorney fees. The most frustrating part is that he’s representing himself (pro se), and my attorney is constantly dealing with his emails, calls, motions, and responses. I’ve had to go to court for every detail that isn’t clear in the judgment. He keeps my kids when he’s supposed to deliver them, won’t let me have them for our vacation, and refuses to enroll them in a better school, despite my ultimate decision-making authority. It’s exhausting and expensive to keep going back to court with this combative person. The kids are only with him every other weekend during the school year. Meanwhile, my attorney is sending me bills for $4,000 to $7,000 per month to handle this. I feel stuck in a never-ending cycle of delays and mounting legal costs. If I wait for this hearing and keep my attorney until then, what happens when the judge orders payment and he can’t pay? Will he go to jail? I’m just not sure how this works if my ex is broke and can’t pay the court-ordered fees. Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did you handle it, and what steps can I take to move things along? Any advice is appreciated!
From what I’ve learned in my 18 months in court, the family court system often lacks the power and motivation to enforce real consequences.
Rex said:
From what I’ve learned in my 18 months in court, the family court system often lacks the power and motivation to enforce real consequences.
That’s frustrating to hear. It feels like there should be some accountability.
Yeah, in my over 20 years dealing with family court, it seems they avoid harsh punishments because it could hurt the kids. If he went to jail, that could stop child support and visitation, which would affect the children.
@Birch
Exactly! It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
Have you considered mediation? Sometimes it can help resolve issues without constantly going back to court.
Shawn said:
Have you considered mediation? Sometimes it can help resolve issues without constantly going back to court.
I hadn’t thought about that. It might be a good way to settle some things without more court battles.
I’ve been in a similar situation, and it can be really draining. I found keeping detailed records of everything helped when presenting my case to the judge.
Sawyer said:
I’ve been in a similar situation, and it can be really draining. I found keeping detailed records of everything helped when presenting my case to the judge.
That’s a good tip. I’ll start keeping better records of everything.
It might be worth discussing with your attorney about options if he continues to ignore court orders. There might be steps you can take to enforce compliance.
Teegan said:
It might be worth discussing with your attorney about options if he continues to ignore court orders. There might be steps you can take to enforce compliance.
I’ll definitely bring that up at our next meeting. Thanks!