Question:
I have to pay a huge lump sum alimony. I am currently in contempt and threatened every day.
My ex-wife recently forged my name to an insurance check and loan modification paperwork in which one of her friends notarized. She is determined to ruin me.
Is there hope of relief from the courts based on her actions?
Answer:
I am sorry to hear about your current situation. First let me preface my answer by stating that I am licensed to practice law in Oklahoma and Texas and not in Georgia, so I am unable to give you any specific advice regarding your question because I am not familiar with your state’s statues and rules. I would strongly encourage you to speak with an experienced family law attorney in your jurisdiction who is familiar with Georgia’s laws. Cordell & Cordell has divorce lawyers in Georgia.
I understand your question to be do you have any hope in getting relief from the Court. In one word, yes; however, it may not be from a family judge. The issues you raised with regard to forged documents and insurance fraud are likely outside the realm of the family judge and more properly pursued in a criminal and/or civil court. Although I am not familiar with Georgia’s laws I would assume forgery and insurance fraud are criminal actions and would urge you to contact the authorities in your area if you have not already.
I would also suggest meeting with a Georgia domestic attorney regarding modifying the alimony award. In Oklahoma where I practice primarily, an alimony award may be modified by the Court based on a change of circumstances. Using the facts you have describe it may be possible to ask the court that granted your divorce to modify the alimony based on your ex-wife’s actions.
Again, as I do not know Georgia’s laws, I would suggest meeting with an experienced family law attorney in your area. If you are interested in meeting with one of Cordell & Cordell’s experienced domestic litigation lawyers, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Bradley K. Cunningham is a Senior Attorney in the Tulsa, Oklahoma office of Cordell & Cordell where his primary practice is exclusively in the area of domestic relations. Mr. Cunningham is licensed in the states of Oklahoma and Texas. After growing up in Tulsa, Mr. Cunningham moved to Arkansas where he received his undergraduate degree in Accounting from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He then returned to Oklahoma and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma.
