Enforcing Child Support, Custody, and Property Division Orders

Parenting Classes Online reports that there are 13 million custodial parents in the US, which amounts to about 4% of the population. One important way to uphold the conditions of a divorce or separation is to apply orders for child support, custody, and property division.

According to legal firm Felder Law, grief and stress magnify small disagreements, turning them into costly battles that can destroy relationships. These misunderstandings may sometimes be the reason for the failure to enforce court orders.

If any party fails to conform to the court-ordered agreement, the other party could resort to legal remedy for its enforcement. The child possesses a fundamental right that is the protection and security for the entirety of his or her life. Identifying the available alternatives is the most important step to achieve this objective. These alternatives might vary according to the issues; for instance, they could be requesting overdue child support, using mediation to cease and resolve disputes regarding custody and visitation, or ensuring that the property division is conducted in accordance with the agreement.

Let’s find out what actions lawyers take with respect to child support, custody, and property division.

Understanding Child Support Enforcement Mechanisms

Courts often order that the parent who is paying support have their wages garnished so that support payments are taken out of their paycheck automatically. If you don't follow the rules, they could take away your license or tax refund. 

According to enforcement of orders lawyer Tad A. Nelson, those who fail to follow enforcement orders face serious punishments, including possible imprisonment and wage garnishment. If you work with an attorney who knows about the enforcement of orders, you are less likely to face such consequences that could limit your freedom and ability to survive. 

In some states, there are enforcement support agencies that can help you keep track of payments and go to court if needed. Numerous parents have gone through the same kind of things, but still, each one of them has come up with a different method to take care of and support their kids.

Strategies for Enforcing Custody Agreements

The arrangement of child custody is viewed as a challenging process in most cases. if the parents communicate openly and set up regular meetings, then the situation can be managed with much less difficulty. In this way, the two parties not only avoid misunderstandings but also build trust among themselves. Issues should be carefully recorded. This recording can become very useful.

Mediation is yet another means of disagreement resolution, and it is also helpful in improving the parents’ relationship. When a custody order is not in their children's best interests, parents should fight with all available resources. 

Addressing Property Division Non-Compliance

Property division often becomes the primary source of significant stress in these cases. If you are confronted with a situation where the other party is initially not willing to comply with the property division, the advisable thing to do is to take rapid action. At first, show nonconformity and keep documentation of all the interactions that took place through the communication. Subsequently, have a more detailed conversation around the issue with the other party and attempt to reach a solution. Sometimes, simply talking can resolve the issue. If it doesn’t, then mediation could be good. Mediation offers a less confrontational atmosphere to facilitate the journey towards agreement.

Legal Consequences of Failing to Adhere to Orders

Legal consequences may take effect if you fail to obey any orders of child support or custody. This outcome can put some stress on you and your family through monetary fines. 

Wage garnishment can be enforced by courts. Jail time can be in the picture if you continue to refuse to comply with such orders. Your noncompliance can damage your reputation in future hearings and affect your custody rights.

Resources for Parents and Guardians Seeking Enforcement

Finding the right source of help in your case might be a game-changer. You can approach your local family court at first since they might be able to offer you resources or give advice that is pertinent to your specific scenario. You will find many other legal aid organizations locally geared toward family law that are free or low-cost. 

There are support groups and community organizations where you shall find emotional support and feasible practical advice from others who were in your shoes. Do not hesitate to consult an attorney specialized in family law since they will take care of all the enforcement complexities for you. There are many resources out there to support you and your family.