Ex-Spouse/Civil Partner Refuses to Pay Financial Settlement
May 2025
When a financial settlement is agreed upon as part of a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, both parties are legally bound to comply with its terms. However, there are situations where one party may refuse to pay the agreed-upon amount. This can be both frustrating and financially distressing. It is essential to understand the actions you can take in such cases and what your options are.
This summary provides general information and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
If your ex-spouse or civil partner refuses to pay the agreed financial settlement, it can lead to several serious consequences. Once a financial settlement is approved by the court and formalised into a sealed consent order, the agreement becomes legally binding. Refusing to comply with a financial order is therefore a breach of its terms, and the court has the authority to take action accordingly.
In the UK, there are various legal mechanisms available to the court to ensure compliance with a financial order by way of enforcement action. This could include direct deductions from that party's wages to ensure maintenance payments are made, or, in more severe cases, the court may seize assets to meet a lump sum payment owed. Additionally, the court can place a charging order on any property or assets the party in breach owns. This means that when the property is eventually sold, the amount owed to the receiving party will be deducted from the proceeds before any remaining funds are released to the paying party, ensuring that both are paid what is rightfully owed.
If these enforcement measures fail, the court can also hold the party in breach in contempt of court, which is a serious offence. This could result in fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the non-compliance.
What Are Your Options if Your Ex-Spouse or Civil Partner Refuses to Pay?
If your ex-spouse or civil partner is refusing to pay the agreed financial settlement, the first step should be to try to resolve the issue amicably. This might involve discussing the matter with them directly and attempting to find a mutual resolution. It might be that they simply need a little longer than was first thought in order to make the payment owed, or to arrange an asset transfer.
If you are unable to resolve the issue directly, you could also consider attending mediation, where a neutral third party could help to facilitate a constructive conversation. Mediation can often help clarify misunderstandings and reach an agreement without escalating the situation.
However, if these attempts are unsuccessful and your ex-spouse or civil partner continues to refuse to comply with the settlement terms, you may need to apply to the court for enforcement action.
When applying to the court, it’s crucial to provide evidence that your ex-spouse or civil partner has failed to meet their financial obligations as this will strengthen your case when seeking enforcement. Keep records of communications, court orders, and any other relevant documentation. Additionally, consider whether there have been any changes in their financial situation that may have made it difficult for them to meet the payment terms. If such circumstances exist, the court may review the amount owed or grant a delay in payment. However, even if their financial situation has changed, they may still be required to pay, albeit potentially at a reduced rate or over an extended period.
How Can Fullers Help?
At Fullers Family Law, we understand that finding a solicitor that you feel understands your own specific situation can be a daunting task. So, you can book a free call back with us here.
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For an initial discussion and a no-obligation quote, get in touch with us today by simply calling us on 01234 343134, filling in the contact form below, or emailing us at enquiries@fullersfamilylaw.com and a member of our team will get back to you.
