Phase 8: Compliance with the Court Judgment

With entry of the judgment, the last phase of the legal process is compliance with its terms and conditions. Like the dissolution of a business relationship, this is called winding up. It is a time for the attorneys to oversee property distributions and make the spouses legally independent.

The attorneys work to transfer real estate and personal property and to change bank accounts and insurance policies in accordance with the judgment. Debts on mortgages, personal loans, and lines of credit or credit cards are paid off or accounted for. The attorneys get releases of the spouse not required to pay each debt if possible.

Upon completion of these matters, the legal process ends. The attorneys or the court only become involved again if one spouse refuses to abide by the judgment. If so, various enforcement measures may be necessary. Usually the judge reserves the right to issue further court orders to force compliance through the seizing of property or income of the uncooperative spouse, fines, or imprisonment. Obviously, if a spouse is not abiding by any court order, contact your attorney immediately to arrange for the judge to apply the proper enforcement measure.

Senior Divorce

By Josh Simon

It may come as a surprise to learn that a segment of the population is untying the knot more frequently than ever before: seniors.