Family Law Services
Enforcing Court Orders
Facing non-compliance with a court order? Brown Family Law can help. Our Salt Lake City attorneys have the experience to enforce your divorce decree, holding your ex accountable for child support, visitation schedules, and other critical terms.
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Many times, after a divorce is finalized, one person does not follow the Orders contained in the Divorce Decree. Some of the most common violations are: (1) not following the parent-time scheduled (e.g., keeping children too after one’s parent-time has ended), and (2) not paying child support or some other required reimbursement (e.g., daycare costs, medical insurance premiums). These violations create tension in an already difficult situation, and can have serious repercussions on kids and on pocketbooks.
So, how do you deal with someone who’s violating a Decree? In other words, how do you enforce your Decree when your ex has disregarded it?
One way to address the problem is to file a Motion for an Order to Show Cause – i.e., Motion for Contempt. With this Motion, you ask the Court to hold your ex in contempt for violating the Court’s Order(s). As punishment for contempt, you may ask the Court to punishment in to form of making your ex: (1) pay your attorney’s fees, (2) grant you make-up parent-time, (3) take parenting classes, (4) serve time in jail.
While these are some of the possible punishments, filing a Motion for Contempt is usually about simply wanting the person to follow your Decree. This is why the Court will often tell the person in contempt he or she can purge contempt if they obey the Order from then on.
One of the benefits of bringing contempt against someone who has failed to pay child support or other financial obligations, is the Court will grant a judgment for the amount owed. You can take that judgment and garnish wages to collect the amounts due.
Keep in mind that Motions for Contempt, while useful both for recovery amounts owed and for changing behavior, must be supported by clear and convincing evidence. Please, ensure you have the proper evidence before requesting contempt.
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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY AND WHY
Check out what some of our real life clients had to say about working with Brown Family Law
I did my homework to find the perfect lawyer to represent me knowing I could have peace of mind throughout the process.
Leilani Whitmer and her paralegal Idania did not disappoint. Their professionalism and dedication to my case was outstanding and fair.
Leilani had just had surgery a few days before mediation and showed up on crutches and ready to go. That’s dedication!!!
I am highly recommending them to anyone looking to feel at ease during a difficult time.
If you want to feel taken care of, this is the right place to be. I am grateful for feeling heard and understood with the process of my divorce, and that Andrew took the time to explain things to me, even when I had to ask him to repeat concepts and legal jargon. Additionally, I'm deeply grateful that I felt Andrew advocated for me in various ways. And last but certainly not least, I'm grateful that he was a voice of reason when I was feeling emotionally charged.
Divorce is a terrible thing to go through but if you have to do it, it's good to be taken care of, which I felt I was.
The kindness, support, and compassion she showed me were invaluable during this journey. Five stars don’t do justice to Anne’s contributions; there aren't enough stars in the universe to reflect her dedication and hard work. Anne's professionalism was evident, and she helped me achieve a resolution that far exceeded my expectations. If you're seeking a reliable attorney, look no further than Brown Family Law, and trust that Anne is the right choice for you.
Loved them but also hope I never have to see them again, you know?
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What Makes Us Different
At Brown Family Law, we know that when we make children’s well-being a priority, their parents do better, too.
At Brown Family Law, we know that when we make children’s well-being a priority, their parents do better, too.
At Brown Family Law, we know that when we make children’s well-being a priority, their parents do better, too.
At Brown Family Law, we know that when we make children’s well-being a priority, their parents do better, too.