Enforcement

An order only helps if it is followed. When support goes unpaid or parenting time keeps getting cancelled, there are steps between doing nothing and a courtroom fight. We start with records and a firm letter, then use the court's enforcement tools when needed. We also defend parents facing a contempt motion or a wage-withholding notice, because there is often more to the story.

Who usually calls us about this

What we do

1. 1 Help you build a clean record of missed payments or exchanges
2. 2 Send a firm, factual letter before going to court
3. 3 File contempt or enforcement motions when they are the right tool
4. 4 Coordinate with the state support agency when it is already involved
5. 5 Defend parents who are behind for real reasons, and propose workable payment plans

How Washington usually handles it

In general terms. Your facts, your county and recent changes in the law all matter, so ask us how this applies to you.

• Courts can order make-up parenting time, payment of back support and, in some cases, other remedies.
• The state support agency can collect support through wage withholding and other tools.
• Contempt usually requires showing the other parent could have followed the order and chose not to.
• Back support generally can't be erased, but a fair plan to repay it can often be set.

An example of how this can go

Example outcomes are illustrations for this demo, based on common situations. Every family and every case is different. Past results do not predict or guarantee the result of any future case, and nothing here is legal advice. More example outcomes

Common questions

All questions