Washington Enforcement Lawyer
It can be a relief knowing that your divorce is finalized and you can put the ordeal behind you. This is particularly true if your divorce was contentious and involved a courtroom battle. However, the finalization of a divorce does not mean you will never need to think about it again. In fact, it does not even mean that you will never have to take legal action again. There are times when you may need to enforce divorce orders and this can become complex. Below, our Washington enforcement order explains what is involved in this process.
What Does Enforcement After Divorce Mean?
The orders issued during divorce are final and legally binding. Unfortunately, this does not mean that both parties will comply with them post-divorce. One spouse may not pay the proper amount of child support or alimony, or one spouse may refuse the other visitation with their children. In these cases, the other party can petition the court, which essentially means asking them to enforce the order.
A number of things may happen after a judge enforces a divorce order. The spouse who failed to comply with the original order may be held in contempt and be fined a certain amount of money. Or, the judge may even sentence them to jail time until they are ready to comply with the order. In some cases, a judge may modify the existing order to award the compliant spouse more alimony, child support, or time spent with their child.
How to Enforce a Divorce Order in Washington
There are many steps involved in enforcing a divorce order in Washington. They are as follows:
- Review the order: The court will not enforce a court order unless it is clear that your former spouse is in violation of it. Due to this, you should review the current order to determine how your former spouse has violated its terms.
- Collect evidence: After filing your petition for enforcement, the court will schedule a hearing to hear from you and your former spouse. It is important to be prepared to present evidence that shows how your former partner is not complying with the order. Voice mails, text messages, and receipts can all prove that they are not paying proper support, denying visitation, or otherwise violating a court order.
- Negotiations: You may not have to go to court in order for your former spouse to start complying with the court order. They may be willing to negotiate a fair agreement with you or simply start complying with the order, particularly if you have threatened to have a court find them in contempt.
- File your petition: If your spouse is not willing to negotiate with you or comply with the order, you may have to take legal action. Our experienced attorney can ensure your petition is filed properly and guide you through the process.
Call Our Enforcement Lawyer in Washington Today
If your former spouse is not complying with a divorce order, our Washington enforcement lawyer at Bunde & Roberts, P.C. can help. Call us now at 412-391-4330 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.
