When Court Orders Are Ignored, We Enforce Them
Obtaining a favorable divorce judgment is not always the end of the legal process. When a former spouse fails to comply with court-ordered obligations — refusing to pay child support, withholding spousal support, failing to transfer property, or violating a custody order — the consequences for you and your family can be immediate and serious. California family courts have broad authority to enforce their own orders, and at Holstrom, Block & Parke, A Professional Law Corporation, our Sacramento post-decree enforcement attorneys know exactly how to use that authority on your behalf.
Call today for a free consultation to discuss your enforcement options with a skilled family law attorney.
Types of Post-Decree Orders We Enforce in Sacramento
Our Sacramento attorneys assist clients in enforcing the full range of family court orders, including:
- Child Support Enforcement: When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, California provides powerful enforcement tools including wage garnishment, bank account levies, property liens, license suspensions, and contempt of court proceedings.
- Spousal Support Enforcement: If your former spouse has stopped making alimony payments required by a court order, we can take immediate legal action to compel payment and recover arrears.
- Property Division Enforcement: If a former spouse has failed to transfer titled property, close or divide financial accounts, execute a QDRO for retirement account division, or comply with any other property-related obligation, we pursue enforcement through the court.
- Custody and Visitation Order Enforcement: When a parent is denying court-ordered parenting time, interfering with custody arrangements, or refusing to follow the parenting plan, swift legal action may be necessary to protect your rights and your child’s stability.
Contempt of Court in Sacramento Family Law Cases
One of the most powerful enforcement tools in California family law is a motion for contempt of court. When a party willfully violates a court order, the court has authority to impose significant consequences — including fines, attorney’s fee awards, and in serious cases, jail time. Filing a contempt motion sends a clear message that non-compliance has consequences, and it often prompts immediate action from a formerly uncooperative former spouse.
Our Sacramento family law attorneys have extensive experience preparing and arguing contempt motions, and we approach each case with the strategic precision needed to present a compelling case to the court. We also anticipate and address common defenses — such as claims of inability to pay — to ensure the court receives a complete and accurate picture of the situation.
Modifications vs. Enforcement: Understanding the Difference
Enforcement and modification are two distinct legal actions. Enforcement seeks to compel compliance with an existing order as written. Modification seeks to change the terms of an order going forward, typically due to a material change in circumstances. If your former spouse is not complying with an order and is also claiming it should be changed, both issues may need to be addressed simultaneously. Our Sacramento attorneys can help you navigate both proceedings and ensure your rights are protected on every front.
Contact Our Sacramento Post-Decree Enforcement Attorneys
If a former spouse is not complying with a family court order in Sacramento, do not wait. Delays in enforcement can result in accumulating arrears, continued violations, and an impression that non-compliance will be tolerated. Our attorneys act quickly and decisively to protect your rights and enforce the court’s orders.
Contact our Sacramento office today for a free consultation and let us help you restore accountability and peace of mind.
