My husband bought a new home after he separated from his wife. He had a high income so could easily afford the home. He also paid support (child and spousal) on time to his exwife.
One year later he lost his job and he could not pay the support anymore (He could barely make his own house payments). His former spouse took him to court and the judge found that he lost his job in bad faith and his support payments were not lowered. He still could not make the payments completely, so paid about half of what he was ordered. He found another job which pays much less, but he likes it and wishes to continue.
About a year after that he had a child age out and again when back to court. He had settled his owed support payments by that time with savings he had (they are now gone) . This time the judge did lower his child support obligation according to his present salary but not the spousal support.
Now he is due to go back in June when his son graduates from high school. This time he will owe significant back support money (all spousal support) His lawyer (a new one) feels it be best to agree before it goes to the judge to start paying some on the back owed now that his child support obligation is gone.
I disagree and feel it best to leave in the judge’s hand. It looks by the last ruling that the judge no longer feels he lost his job in bad faith, although it was never presented in that way. His lawyer feels that the fact that he still lives and pays for his big home (with a big mortgage) will be detrimental as it may show to the judge that he has money to pay, just choses not to. And that yes, it may show that he choses to not pay in bad faith. i am just trying to help him avoid paying a high alimony.