Order Enforcement

Order Enforcement Services | Strong Family Law, PLLC

Ensuring Compliance with Court Orders in Idaho

When a court issues a legal order—whether related to child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, or protection orders—it is legally binding. Unfortunately, not all parties comply with these orders, leading to financial hardship, safety concerns, and unnecessary stress. At Strong Family Law, PLLC, we help clients enforce court-ordered obligations and hold non-compliant individuals accountable.

What Is Court Order Enforcement?

Court order enforcement refers to the legal process of ensuring that a party complies with a court-issued ruling. If someone violates a family court order, the affected party has the right to seek legal remedies to enforce compliance.

Our firm assists with enforcement in cases involving:

• Child Custody & Visitation – Enforcing custody and visitation agreements when a parent refuses to comply.

• Child Support Payments – Holding a non-paying parent accountable for overdue child support.

• Spousal Support (Alimony) – Ensuring that court-ordered spousal support payments are made.

• Property Division – Enforcing financial and asset distribution agreements from a divorce.

If the other party refuses to comply with a legally binding order, Strong Family Law will take swift legal action to enforce your rights. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options.

Common Types of Court Order Violations

1. Violating a Child Custody or Visitation Agreement

When one parent refuses to comply with a custody or visitation order, it can create emotional distress for both the child and the other parent. Violations may include:

• Refusing to return the child at the agreed-upon time

• Denying court-ordered visitation rights

• Attempting to relocate with the child without permission

• Failing to follow the parenting plan

Legal Options for Enforcement:

• A petition to enforce parenting time.

• Filing a motion for contempt to request the court enforce compliance, when there is an open case.

• Requesting modifications to the custody arrangement if in the best interests of the child(ren).

• Seeking emergency relief if a child’s safety is at risk.

2. Failure to Pay Child Support

A parent who fails to pay court-ordered child support is in violation of the law. Non-payment can lead to serious financial strain for the custodial parent and child.

Legal Remedies for Unpaid Child Support:

• Wage garnishment – A portion of the parent’s income is withheld to cover missed payments.

• Tax refund interception – Seizing tax refunds to cover child support arrears.

• Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses – Restricting licenses until payments are made.

• Passport suspension.

• Contempt of court proceedings – Holding the non-paying parent legally accountable.

3. Failure to Pay Spousal Support (Alimony)

If a spouse refuses to pay court-ordered alimony, the receiving spouse has the right to enforce the payment through legal action.

Methods of Alimony Enforcement:

• Wage withholding orders to deduct alimony payments directly from the employer.

• Bank levies to recover unpaid spousal support from personal accounts.

• Property liens to prevent property sales until arrears are paid.

4. Failure to Comply with Property Division Orders

During a divorce, the court may order specific assets to be divided or require one spouse to transfer assets. If a former spouse refuses to comply with the order, legal enforcement may be necessary.

Property Division Enforcement Strategies:

• A petition to enforce the terms of the decree.

• Contempt of court motions to compel compliance.

• Monetary sanctions imposed on the violating party.

5. Violation of Protection Orders

A protective order is a legal directive designed to safeguard individuals from harassment, abuse, or violence. Violating a restraining order can have criminal consequences.

Violating a protection order is a criminal offense.  Report the offense to the police, showing them any evidence you have of the violation, such as text messages, phone logs, or photographs.

If you are facing a threat to your safety due to a violated protection order, seek legal assistance immediately. Our attorneys will take urgent legal action to protect you and your loved ones.

How to Enforce a Court Order in Idaho

If a court order is being ignored, you can take legal action to enforce it. The process typically involves:

1. Filing a Petition to Enforce – A petition that must be served, but is stream-lined, tailored to violations of divorce and custodial decrees, and is often fast-tracked to a hearing with a judge.

2. Attending a Court Hearing – Presenting evidence to show that the other party is violating the order.

3. Court-Imposed Remedies – The judge may issue penalties such as fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time.

Our firm will aggressively represent you to ensure that your rights are upheld and that the other party fulfills their legal obligations.

Why Choose Strong Family Law for Court Order Enforcement?

✔ Zealous Legal Representation – We fight to hold non-compliant parties accountable.

✔ Compassionate Advocacy – We understand the emotional toll of dealing with non-compliance and offer supportive legal guidance.

✔ Swift Legal Action – We take immediate steps to ensure compliance with court orders.

If you need legal help enforcing a custody order or term of a divorce decree, call (208) 444-4482 today or schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Order Enforcement in Idaho

1. What if my ex refuses to follow the custody order?
If a parent refuses to follow a custody order, you can file a petition to enforce parenting time or request a custody modification based on repeated violations.

2. How can I collect unpaid child support?
Legal methods include wage garnishment, asset seizure, and license suspension. Courts can also hold non-paying parents in contempt for failing to meet their obligations.

3. Can my ex go to jail for violating a court order?
Yes, but it is very rare.

4. What should I do if my ex is violating a protection order?
Report the violation to law enforcement immediately. A protective order violation is a criminal offense and can lead to arrest and further legal action.

5. How long does it take to enforce a court order?
A petition to enforce can often be resolved in just a month or two.

At Strong Family Law, we are committed to ensuring that court orders are followed and that violations are addressed swiftly and effectively. Call (208) 444-4482 today to schedule a confidential consultation and enforce your legal rights.