How do I get ex-husband to make Maintenance payments?

Question

I was awarded £2100/month maintenance by the court in Ancillary Relief. My husband later quite his good paying job, and took a small (low paying) teaching job in Far East. Our children are all grown-up and on their own, so that is not an issue. He has kept part ownership in a flat in the UK, has a small pension in UK, but otherwise moved all his money to Far East.

I do not want to pay a big solicitor bill to find out I can't do anything. Is there anything I could do? Has anyone been in this situation before?

Answer 1

You could seek a freezing order (formerly "Mareva" injunction), and attach his interest in UK property, including his flat and his pension.

First you need to get a money judgment for a fixed amount against him. You can do that in county court without a solicitor. If you need advice, go first to your public library and then to your Citizens Advice Bureau. (You can always repeat the procedure in a future year.)

Enforcing a judgment in the Far East is feasible, depending on the country, but might not be cost-effective. If he has his money in, say, Singapore, you could get the English (or Scottish, etc.) court to issue an order that would likely be enforced there.

There are books and law review articles on this subject. But first you have to get a judgment for a fixed amount. And one would have to know where he is to go beyond attaching the flat and the pension. If he has transferred title to UK property you can get that property anyway on the basis that it is a fraudulent conveyance. If money was paid for the property and the buyer knew your ex was trying to avoid a debt you might get the property anyway; but if it is a gift the procedure is easy.

Answer 2

Here in the U.S., an order to pay child or spousal support is enforceable like a court judgment. You can get paperwork from the court that will allow you to do things like bank account seizures and wage garnishments.

I don't know UK law, but It should not take too long for a solicitor to examine your case and advise you of your options.

Answer 3

Go to Citizens Advice,they might be able to help.Look through the phone book,for solicitors who deal with Legal Aid.Some solicitors do offer a free consultation,but you'll have to check up on this.

Answer 4

Once the Wind and the Sun disputed as to which was the more powerful. And while they were quarreling, a man came by wrapped in a shawl and wearing a big pagri [head cloth or turban]. And they said, "It is no good quarreling. Let us put our power to the test and see who can deprive this man of the shawl he has wrapped round him."

Then the Wind asked to be allowed to try first and said, "You will see that I will blow away the blanket in no time," and the Sun said, "All right, you go first."

So the Wind began to blow hard, but the man only wrapped his shawl more tightly round him to prevent its being blown away and fastened it round himself with his pagri; and though the Wind blew fit to blow the man away, it could not snatch the shawl from him. So it gave up, and the Sun had a try. He rose in the sky and blazed with full force, and soon the man began to drip with sweat, and he took off his shawl and hung it on the stick he carried over his shoulder, and the Wind had to admit defeat.

Answer 5

WHY DONT YOU GO GETA JOB AND PAY FOR YOUR OWN STUFF ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT MESS UP MARRIAGES IN THE USA AND ENGLAND AND EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD. YOUR A GROWN WOMAN GO GET A JOB AND PAY FOR YOUR OWN STUFF. HES NOT GETTING ANY THING FROM YOU ANYMORE(IF YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TLAKING ABOUT) SO WHAT MAKES YOU THINK HE NEEDS TO BE PAYING FOR YOU TO LIVE. ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT MAKE ME AFRAID TO GET MARRIED. KANYE WEST SAID IT BEST "YOU AINT NOTHING BUT A GOLD DIGGER" I KNOW LEGALLY YOU MIGHT BE ENTITTLED TO SOME KIND OF PAYMENTS. THIS IS THE REASON THE WHOLE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE NEEDS TO BE OVERHAULED IN MANY COUNTRYS.

Answer 6

Grab him by the tax details. He'll soon pay up.

Answer 7

if you no longer have to support children, what do you need maintenance money for?

Answer 8

try to work with your X husband