Divorced Woman on $1,460 Social Security Seeks Alimony From Millionaire Ex
A woman collecting $1,460 monthly in Social Security says her millionaire ex-husband, 74, is refusing to pay court-ordered alimony. Here are her options.
A woman living on $1,460 a month in Social Security benefits is asking what legal recourse she has after her wealthy ex-husband stopped paying alimony, according to a reader question published by MarketWatch. The man, 74, reportedly has assets in the millions, while she describes herself as having "very little money" — a stark financial divide that sits at the heart of her dispute.
When a spouse refuses to comply with a court-ordered alimony agreement, the recipient generally has enforceable legal remedies available. Family law courts can hold a non-paying ex-spouse in contempt, which can carry consequences ranging from wage garnishment and asset liens to, in some cases, incarceration. The fact that the ex-husband's own financial disclosures confirm a multi-million-dollar asset base could strengthen the woman's legal position considerably.
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Social Security benefits alone at $1,460 a month fall well below the average U.S. cost of living, making the loss of alimony payments potentially devastating for a recipient with no other income source. Financial and legal experts often advise in such situations to act quickly — delay can complicate enforcement and, in some jurisdictions, limit the recovery of back payments.
For divorced individuals navigating alimony disputes later in life, the intersection of retirement income, asset division, and spousal support enforcement is increasingly common as the so-called "gray divorce" rate rises among Americans over 50. Consulting a family law attorney experienced in post-decree enforcement — and potentially a financial advisor familiar with elder financial planning — are typically the first recommended steps.
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