Enforcement of Court Orders in Panama City

Don't Fight with Your Ex - Let An Experienced Attorney Fight for You

If you are like most people, you got divorced so that you would no longer have to argue and fight with your spouse. Unfortunately, many former couples find that they continue to find themselves struggling with each another over the terms of their divorce.

If you were awarded child support, alimony, or child visitation privileges, you have a right to demand that your former spouse abides by the terms of the court orders.

The court orders which the family law judge delivered at the conclusion of your divorce have the full force of law, and your former spouse can be subjected to harsh penalties for non-compliance. By failing to comply with the court orders, your former spouse is not only dismissing your rights, but is also violating the judge's ruling. It is not merely a dispute between the two of you but actually becomes a legal matter between your former spouse and the judge.

Family Law Contempt Charges in Florida

Any violation of a court order can lead to a charge of contempt. A parent or ex-spouse can be found guilty of contempt of court if he or she fails to pay alimony or child support. You cannot bar communication or interfere with the other parent's visitation rights if he or she is delinquent on support payments, however. It is contempt of court orders to violate a condition of child custody or interfere with the other parent's rights. Similarly, if the other parent obstructs your parental rights, this is not justification to end support payments.

Enforcing Your Court-Ordered Rights

After a contempt of court charge has been filed, there will be a hearing where the accused must appear. If he or she does not attend the hearing, then the judge can issue a warrant for arrest. If he or she is found guilty of contempt, then a judge has a number of actions to take. The judge may impose wage garnishment so that you can get support payments directly from the other party's paychecks. A judge may even elect to suspend the driver's license or may even fine and jail the guilty party. The point of any penalty is to enforce obedience to the court orders.

When you want to level a charge of contempt, you will certainly want legal assistance. To file a Motion for Contempt, you will need to cite which orders are being violated. This is more complex than it may sound, as the paperwork and processes vary from county to county. You will want someone on your side who is well-versed in each county's laws.

Defending Contempt Charges

If you have been charged with contempt, then you absolutely must attend the hearing. With the right family law attorney on your side, you may be able to defend your charges. If you could not meet child support or alimony payments because of a layoff, demotion, or some other hardship that has hampered your wage-earning ability, then a lawyer may be able to prove to the judge that you are unable to make payments. If this is the case, then you will want to pursue modification of alimony and/or child support.

Protect Your Rights with a Panama City Family Law Attorney

Seaton Law Offices, P.A. is ready to do what is best for your family. Attorney Seaton understands that this can be an emotional, perhaps frustrating time. She wants to alleviate the stress on you and your family and can guide you through the legal mazes necessary to move on in life. The firm is here to help when you need to learn about the legal actions at your disposal to enforce court orders, or to prevent or defend contempt charges. The firm's experienced divorce attorney is dedicated to protecting your family's best interests. Do not hesitate to call a lawyer.