While some couples are able to terminate their marriage and go their separate ways in a non-confrontational fashion, there are some divorce cases that are more intense in nature. Court litigation can be extremely intense and may end with one party in contempt of court or in jail.
This is what happened to a Swartz Creek man, who was found in contempt of court for refusing to pay his ex-wife’s attorney’s fees. Although specific details about why the divorce process took nearly three years to complete are unavailable, the judge in the case ordered the man responsible for paying the other party’s legal fees. The man refused to pay the sum of more than $103,500, and as a result of his non-compliance, was ordered to spend 10 days in jail.
The mechanical engineer appealed the decision, but the State of Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the original judgement made by the Circuit Court. The appeals court made the decision that since the man lied to the court regarding his assets, failed to make critical mortgage payments, hid money and dissolved his business without permission, he was acting in a deceitful way that called for harsh actions.
Whether people are involved in an amicable divorce or are going through a difficult marital termination, they may want to seek counsel from a family law attorney. A lawyer can help people make tough decisions when they are going through an emotional time.
Source: Media Live, “Unusual divorce ends with man in jail for refusing to pay ex-wife’s lawyer,” Oona Goodin-Smith, Feb. 3, 2017.