Beware of an ex-spouse who declines a pay raise

If you’re going through a divorce, or you’ve recently settled your case, then you may think that all the courtroom battles are finally over for good. This isn’t necessarily the case though. If you receive child support or alimony, and you’ve recently found out that your ex has turned down a pay raise, then you may be back in an Ohio courtroom very soon.

Although it may sound counterintuitive for someone to be offered and decline a pay raise, it’s not unheard of. There are various reasons someone may turn down an increase in salary. Individuals often do it so that their income doesn’t fall within a higher tax bracket or so that they can continue receiving government benefits. Others do so they won’t have to make higher alimony payments or pay more in child support than they already do.

Employers can get into a lot of trouble if they fail to report increases in their workers’ pay because they decide to compensate them on the side.

If they help their employee avoid paying child support or alimony that’s due, then an employer can be held civilly and criminally liable for doing so. This is why companies should get their employee to confirm that they’re not taking the raise in writing. This provides a clear paper trail documenting what occurred.

Sneaky Westerville spouses may unlawfully hide assets, delay in taking a better job or decline pay raises as a way of keeping more of their assets and earnings in their pocket and less in their ex’s. If you suspect that this is what your own former spouse is doing, then an attorney can provide help for the issues that you’re facing.