If you have an order in your family law case, it governs your rights and responsibilities as well as those of the other party. When someone fails to comply with an order, such as by interfering with parenting time or failing to transfer property as ordered, it may be necessary to go back to court to ask for enforcement.

Having to seek the court’s help to get your ex-spouse or co-parent to do what they’ve already been ordered to do is frustrating. So is having to go to court because your former partner accused you of violating an order you have done your best to comply with.

Whether you are seeking compliance with an order, or defending against allegations of non-compliance, a family law order enforcement lawyer can help.

Consequences for Non-Compliance with a Family Law Order

A court can hold a non-compliant party in contempt of court in family law matters, which can result in that party having to pay fines or the other party’s attorney fees for seeking compliance with the order. Much more rarely, jail time may be ordered for the most severe and willful violations.

Other consequences for a party who fails to comply with a divorce, custody, child support, or other family law order include:

  • Ordering the non-compliant party to make catch-up payments for missed child support or additional parenting time for interfering with previous scheduled parenting time
  • Modifying an existing court order for child custody, child support, or parenting time
  • Suspending the non-compliant party’s driver’s license or professional license, or restricting their passport use, for non-payment of child support
  • Ordering supervised visitation if there are concerns about a child’s safety during parenting time due to a parent’s non-compliance with a court order (e.g. substance abuse while the child is in their care)

Non-compliance can have serious consequences, but proving violations and getting accountability can be difficult. The process is much more straightforward when you have an experienced family law attorney advocating for you.

Work with a Family Law Order Enforcement Lawyer

Family law orders have little power unless you can enforce them. It’s important to comply with orders that apply to you, and to ensure that the other side does, too. To get help, contact Altitude Family Law to schedule a consultation.

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