29 Jul My ex won’t provide proof of life insurance. What can I do?

Q. In my divorce agreement, my ex-husband was ordered to take out a $250,000 life insurance policy with me as the beneficiary for the purpose of securing alimony, as I have lifetime alimony. I know there is a statute that states he must provide proof every year that it is paid and put me on as someone the life insurance company can talk to. He will not provide this. Can you provide me with that statue so I can file a motion?
— Upset

A. We understand why this is important to your financial future.

And you of course want to make sure your ex does what he’s supposed to do.

There is not a statute that obligates your former spouse to provide proof every year, but if it is in your marital settlement agreement or divorce agreement that requires proof to be provided annually, a court would enforce that provision of your agreement, said Jeralyn Lawrence, a family law attorney with Lawrence Law in Watchung.

If that requirement is not in your divorce agreement, a court certainly would obligate your former spouse to provide it should you file a motion asking the court for that order, she said.

Lawrence said she has a recommendation before you file a motion.

She said you should send a letter to your former spouse asking that they provide you with proof within 14 days.

“Indicate in the letter that should you not receive the proof, you will be filing a motion asking for that information and urge cooperation to avoid an unnecessary court appearance,” she said.

Finally, Lawrence added, there is also no such thing in New Jersey as lifetime alimony.

“We have open durational, limited duration, rehabilitative, and reimbursement alimony,” she said. “There is no lifetime alimony.”

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in July 2024.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.