What court papers do you have showing any orders? Unless he files to change support orders, he is mandated to pay. Have you answered in paperwork yet? My divorce was in calif. also, how diid you end up with nothing? According to the law you should have been given not only alimony, but a portion of any retirement. My marriage was 25 years. He can't just come in and say he makes 0, alimony is based on his income at the time of divorce, and until he files a modification of support, he has to pay that amount.

He would have to pay that amount originally decided upon until he files and asks for a modification. That is a separate issue than taking him back to court for arrears.

Also, ask for a garnishment

I'm sorry you are going through this. Even though you can't afford an attorney, your local library is a great source of divorce info. There are many books that take you through the divorce process and explain how to prepare for court.

In addition, please contact your local domestic violence shelter. These folks deal with this situation a lot and can be a good source of information and may be able to help you find an attorney.

Also, go to Divorcesource.com and read up on divorce laws in your state. As far as showing his income, contact the IRS and ask them for copies of tax returns for the last five years. Those will show his income.

Please remember, judges aren't dumb and they see this type of thing a lot. Your stbx may say he's broke, but obviously if he owns a corporation, he is not. Get calm, think rationally. Do the things above and educate yourself. Knowledge is power.

Sending hugs! Stay strong!

Hurtinandhealin wrote what I was going to say. Judges know all about the sneaky ways EX's try to screw their ex-spouse. I like the suggestions she gave too. I really don't know what to advise you to say when you go to court. Another good website is Divorce360.com. They have forums set up by state in which you can ask questions. Another DS person here recommends divorce.com.

Hang in there. I'll be praying for you. (((HUGS)))

How on earth did you end up with nothing? As the gals say here - judges are not stupid and they see more than the liar thinks. I'd definitely produce the tax returns. Sending you lots of prayers - please keep us posted on how you make out.

No experience, but want to let you know I'm praying for you. Hoping for your best possible outcome.

If you want to talk or need someone to just be with you when you go to court, message me and see what we can do. I've walked in your shoes. I also was diagnosed with PTSD, and have had to represent myself the last few times I've gone to court. My ex stopped paying me also, ended up owing me several thousand dollars and I too almost landed on the street. I'm in Southern Calif., let me know if you just want a person to go with you.

No experience here, too, but want you to know I'm behind you.

love and hugs
kamary

When I said it was an abusive marriage and I was left with PTSD, I was left with a bad case. When my ex said 'jump' I jumped. When he blamed me or said I was wrong, I believed him. I always felt guilty. When he got mad he always punished me in same way. I was not allowed food unless I got his permission. He refused to give me money for food. I had no credit cards. One time I ate half a bagle and in front of my daughters and their friends he yelled I was a thief and I had not asked his permission if I could have one. In 30 years he never once brought me flowers or candy. Or birthday or Xmas presents. He told people I 'bruised easily'. He told my daughters I was worthless and never went to college (I was an RN at UCSF when we met). He said my friends really didn't like me and behind my back would talk about me (untrue, but I believed it at the time). I was and I am frightened of him. He is 6'4" and 350, I am 5'5" and 105. He had total control of all the finances. He filed tax returns without my signature or knowledge and deposited them into his personal account. Also personal checks to me were deposited into his account. I went to the bank and they said they would never allow him to do that and they did nothing. I had no money to sue. I did report him to the IRS and they took back their tax money but I did not get any of it.
I was forced to sign a settlement I refused to sign. I found out later my attorney was my brother-n-law's patient and a friend of my ex. But both attorney's and my ex stood behind me so I couldn't move my chair and forced me to sign. They kept me in the chair for 3 hours, not allowing me to go to the bathroom or get a drink of water till I signed. They threatened me saying if I wanted a divorce I HAD to sign. They said the judge would not even allow me to get support so I was lucky to be given some if I signed the settlement. They lied about so much stuff and I told them they were lies but I was frightened I would never be allowed to leave. I was severely abused and truly believed I had no rights.
So that's why I got nothing at all. He even kept all my personal property from before the divorce. My father's death certificate, my birth certificate, my RN degree, my SS card, my car, my furniture.....after a 911 call the police asked the Domestic Abuse/Violence shelter to come pick me up. I left with nothing. We owned a million dollar home in Walnut Creek and I found he had taken all the equity out and we had to short sell it. There is a lot more, but the point is....I was too emotionally sick to be able to make a rational decision because of PTSD. I tried to file a complaint with the Law Board but all they did was slap my attorney's hand and say not to do it again.
That's why I am so afraid of going to court on Monday. I have no money....and my ex loves it. Any advice would be wonderful. Oh, I can't attach any of his salary because he is self employed, a Corporation and owns an LLC as a separate entity.
Can you help advise me?

I am an family law attorney in California. Let the judge know when the order was filed and the amount he owes you. If he claims he has no income, then ask the judge to order him to pay for an attorney and a cpa to investigate his actual income.. The statute is Family Code Section 2030 which requires the court to level the field. If he shows up with even one attorney, much less three - tell the judge this show he can pay an attorney and he should pay for one for you.

Another helpful agency is the Department of Child Support Services. They are free and help custodial parent with support all the time.

I wish you all the best.

Thank you. I do have a forensic account's report that was submitted as evidence without foundation during our divorce. It is a couple of years old but it says 'assets were turned into debts with a stroke of a pen', 'It is impossible to live in the SF Bay Area with $0 income. He has to be getting money from somewhere'.....and more.
Could I show that to the judge or is it too old?

I'm sorry I can't help you with anything legal but I want you to know how sorry I am that you've been through such a hell of a life.

love and hugs
kamary

Thank you kamary

Court is on Monday. Wish me luck or.....
can I get a hug????