Enforcement and/or Contempt

After a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage or a Final Judgment of Paternity is entered, and a party is not complying with the terms of the Final Judgment, the non-complying party can file a Motion to Enforce and/or a Motion for Contempt or both simultaneously.  A party can be found in contempt if he or she is behind in child support and alimony payments or attorney fees awarded for same.  If a party is found in contempt, he or she can be ordered pay a purge amount and/or be immediately taken into custody.  All other issues (i.e. property distribution, liability concerns, attorney fees, etc.)  in a Final Judgment are an enforcement issue and not a contempt.  A contempt and/or enforcement proceeding does not require service of process.  In fact, a hearing can be scheduled and mailed with the Motion without coordination with the other party if he or she does not have an attorney on file.

Contact us about your legal matter today!