Texas courts are statutorily empowered to enforce their orders by contempt. However, a divorce decree that awards a sum of money, payable in a lump sum or in future installments, is generally not enforceable by contempt, unless either:
1. Payment is to be made from a fund that exists at the time of the decree; or
2. The decree awards the right to receive installment payments or a lump-sum payment due on the maturation of an existing vested or non-vested right to be paid in the future; or
3. The award is for temporary spousal maintenance, as when, following a long term marriage, a spouse lacks the ability to work and earn money to be self-support
The Bexar Texas Motion for Order of Contempt for Failure to Pay Spousal Maintenance is a legal tool used to address situations where one party fails to fulfill their financial obligations towards their ex-spouse for spousal maintenance payments. This motion allows the affected party to seek appropriate legal action to enforce compliance and hold the non-paying party accountable for their actions. Spousal maintenance, also commonly referred to as alimony or spousal support, is a financial provision granted by the court to assist a lower-earning or financially dependent spouse after the dissolution of a marriage. It is intended to provide financial assistance in maintaining a standard of living that is relatively consistent with what the receiving spouse experienced during the marriage. When a party fails to make the court-ordered spousal maintenance payments, the recipient spouse who is being deprived of the assistance they are entitled to can file a Motion for Order of Contempt with the Bexar Texas court. This motion asks the court to find the non-paying party in contempt of court for their failure to comply with the spousal maintenance order. The Bexar Texas Motion for Order of Contempt for Failure to Pay Spousal Maintenance aims to bring attention to the non-compliance issue and potentially trigger legal consequences for the non-paying spouse. The motion can result in various outcomes, including the court imposing penalties, such as fines or even potential jail time for the non-compliant party. It is important to note that there may be different types or variations of Bexar Texas Motions for Order of Contempt for Failure to Pay Spousal Maintenance based on specific circumstances. These may include motions related to arbitrages (unpaid spousal maintenance), modifications to the existing spousal maintenance order, or motions requesting alternative remedies to enforce compliance with the order, such as wage garnishment or property liens. In summary, the Bexar Texas Motion for Order of Contempt for Failure to Pay Spousal Maintenance is a legal measure taken to address situations where a party fails to meet their financial obligations towards spousal maintenance. The motion aims to bring attention to the non-compliance issue and seek appropriate legal action to ensure compliance and hold the non-paying party accountable.
