How Engel Law Can Help with Enforcement of Court Orders
Throughout the divorce process there may be several temporary court orders issued with regard to child custody, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony), or palimony, parenting plan, protection orders and restraining orders until the divorce or domestic partnership termination is finalized.
Court orders must be followed by everyone involved and if there is a valid reason why one should not be complied with, you must request a modification of the order. Our attorneys are familiar with this process and can work with you to file a modification of the order. Remember that until the modification has been issued, you must comply with the original order.
The final court orders typically involve child custody, child support, the parenting plan and spousal maintenance. When one party violates a court order it is a serious matter, but it is not justification in the eyes of the court for the other party to retaliate by violating an order.
So what do you do if your ex-spouse or ex-partner is violating the parenting plan and keeping your child from you? If you were to withhold paying child support this places you in violation of a court order.
An experienced divorce lawyer at our firm can notify the court by filing a motion for contempt. Washington family law allows the court to order sanctions to enforce compliance. The court may find the individual in contempt. Penalties for contempt can include:
- Fines
- Incarceration
- Payment of the other party’s legal fees and court costs
In order to take action to enforce court orders you must supply evidence of the violations. Statements of eye witnesses, photographs or documents are required. The Engel legal team will listen to your description of the events, gather the evidence needed and prepare to take immediate action.
Contact a Seattle divorce attorney at Engel Law Group today for assistance on enforcing court orders.