Many women who go through divorce receive alimony payments from their ex-spouse. These payments are crucial to ensure the person's lifestyle is similar to what it was during the marriage. Sometimes, ex-partners refuse to pay alimony, even though it is a court ordered payment. This can lead women to fear that they will never receive their payments and force them to make tough financial decisions.

These decisions could mean having to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet. People should understand that there are legal options that can be pursued if an ex-spouse refuses to pay owed alimony after divorce.

Keeping detailed records can help you recover alimony payments. It would be wise to keep track of when you do and do not receive the required payment. You can then present these records to a divorce attorney who can help you set up a case to seek payments. Many times not paying alimony is considered contempt of court and is a very serious offense.

By keeping receipts of things you had to pay for, which your spouse should have covered as outlined in your divorce, as well as how much you have received from your spouse will all help when you present your case to a judge. Speaking with a divorce attorney can help you figure out a strategy for proving to the court that the payments have not been made. If a court agrees, they can impose fines, and take other measures to try to get you the payments you are owed.

Source: Forbes, "How Can a Divorcing Woman Get the Child Support, Alimony She is Owed?," Jeff Landers, Dec. 14, 2011