Dealing with an ex who won’t follow court orders regarding custody, support, or property division can feel frustrating and overwhelming. Whether it’s missed payments, denied visitation, or ignored agreements, knowing how to handle the situation is key to protecting your rights and ensuring your family’s well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore what to do when your ex isn’t complying with court orders and how legal help can make all the difference in getting things back on track.
Common Violations of Court Orders
When a divorce or custody agreement is finalized, both parties are legally required to follow the terms. However, violations are common and can create emotional and financial stress.
Custody and Visitation Issues
One parent may refuse to follow the agreed schedule, consistently show up late, or deny visits entirely. This disrupts the child’s sense of stability and can strain relationships. In some cases, a parent might even attempt to alienate the child from the other parent, which makes enforcement of court odors critical.
Child Support Non-Payment
Some parents stop paying child support or underpay, leaving the custodial parent struggling to cover essential expenses like housing, food, and education. Even partial non-payment can put a financial burden on the household and affect the child’s well-being.
Property and Asset Division Violations
An ex-spouse may refuse to transfer assets, sell shared property without consent, or hide financial accounts. These actions violate the divorce agreement and can leave one party financially unstable. Enforcing these orders ensures fairness and financial security.
Steps to Address Non-Compliance With Court Orders
Here are some steps you can take to address non-compliance:
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of every missed child support payment, declined visitation, or ignored agreement. Save text messages, emails, and any written communication that proves a pattern of non-compliance. This evidence can be crucial if legal enforcement becomes necessary.
- Communicate in Writing: Instead of verbal discussions that can be easily dismissed, use emails or text messages to address the issue. A written record creates a clear timeline of events, which can serve as proof in court if the situation escalates.
Taking these simple steps can help build a strong case and protect your rights if legal intervention is required.
Legal Options for Enforcement
If you’ve tried everything and your ex is still not complying with court orders, there are some legal options for enforcement:
Contempt of Court
If your ex is willfully disobeying a court order, they can be held in contempt of court. This can result in fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time. Judges take violations seriously, especially when a child’s well-being is at stake.
Wage Garnishment & Asset Seizure
If child support payments aren’t being made, the court can order wage garnishment, where wages are automatically deducted from your ex’s paycheck. In extreme cases, bank accounts or assets can be seized to cover unpaid child support.
Police or Legal Intervention
If your ex refuses to return your child after visitation or continuously violates custody arrangements, law enforcement may be able to intervene. However, police typically require a court order specifying enforcement measures. Consulting an attorney can help you navigate these legal steps efficiently.
If your ex isn’t complying with a court order, taking legal action can help you ensure your rights and your child’s needs are protected.
When to Hire an Attorney
If your ex repeatedly ignores court orders, refuses to cooperate, or retaliates against you, it may be time to get legal help. Signs that you need an attorney include repeated missed child support payments, denied visitation, or ongoing disputes over asset division. An attorney can file motions, present evidence, and push for legal consequences to ensure compliance. They can also handle communication to reduce stress and emotional conflict. If enforcement feels overwhelming, a lawyer can help you take the right steps to protect your rights.
Choose LeBaron & Jensen for Legal Assistance
LeBaron & Jensen offers expert legal assistance in family law, including custody disputes, child support issues, and other critical matters. With a focus on understanding your unique situation, we provide compassionate guidance through the complexities of family law. We can also provide assistance in personal injury law, estate planning, and more. We’ve dealt with hundreds of cases, including auto accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, construction accidents, and much more. If you’re facing legal challenges in any way, LeBaron & Jensen can help. Reach out to us today for a consultation to get the legal support you need.
