My ex is court ordered to pay spousal support. He has not made one payment. I can only go back seven years, I believe, so he owes around $18,000. He is in Contempt of Court. My problem. The local family facilitators office who did my divorce papers are no longer allowed to do the actual work only give bits of advice. I have Cancer and it is just too much for me. I can not afford an attorney whereas I have contacted California State Board, for pro bono attorneys. I have called paralegals, law clinics etc. I am so frustrated because he has actually got away with murder the marriage being very abusive. I need advice because some of my court documents have already expired. I was approved for a partial request for accommodations by persons with disabilities and response. Signed by a Judge, it has expired.

There is no statute of limitations for Court-ordered alimony. If he doesn't pay his tab keeps running. The debt doesn't expire after a certain period.

What documents expired? I can't tell if you are saying that there was a request for assistance due to your disabilities and that expired or not - ?

The Courts which handle contempt matters are usually very user friendly. You have not found that?

Thank you for your response. Yes, the request for accommodations has expired. The Judge did set a time frame which was for the following duration: From (dates) to:. To answer your question about the Courts being user friendly, I would not know. I have not been able to go back to Court. If you mean the Family Law Office/Facilitators yes to a certain extent. They may not fully understand the limits of my being able to follow even simple directions which only makes me feel somewhat inferior when it is mainly due to Chemo and also may be somewhat overwhelmed by the numerous emails from me asking questions regarding this Contempt Matter.

Also normally any 7 ( often 3 years in most places) for going back is for changes in the orders, Not for enforcement, normally in enforcement, you can go back and back and back as long as one of the parties are in contempt of the orders.

You need someone to represent you in court. This can be a relative or even a friend. Also CA has an agency to enforce support orders. You should be contacting that agency for help in collecting what you are owed.