Winter Park Contempt & Enforcement Attorney
Florida Family Lawyer Helping Clients with Enforcement
Florida courts issue many different types of orders in connection with divorce and other areas of family law. However, some parties disregard or outright ignore these rulings, usually to avoid paying their fair share of alimony or child support. Alternatively, one parent may not honor the other’s right to custody or visitation of the child.
Regardless of the details, violating a court order is unlawful and you do have rights if you’re adversely affected by noncompliance. Our team at The Troum Law Firm, P.A. has more than 30 years of experience serving clients in Orange and Seminole Counties in all areas of family law, including situations involving enforcement of a court order. Please contact our office to schedule a case assessment with a Winter Park contempt and enforcement attorney about your legal options.
Contempt and Enforcement in Florida Family Law
When a court enters an order, mandate, or decree in any legal proceeding, the order is legally binding. By virtue of Florida’s law on enforcement, creates an obligation for the person it’s directed toward, instructing them to take certain action or comply with designated requirements. In the context of family law, the order usually addresses marital property, alimony, and child custody, visitation, and support.
Such an order is essentially a law, so there are serious consequences for violating it. The person who doesn’t comply with the order may be in contempt of court, which carries civil and criminal penalties. A person or party whose interests are affected by noncompliance has the right to take enforcement action.
Court Orders Regarding Contempt and Enforcement
In divorce, contempt and enforcement actions may be appropriate where a party doesn’t divide marital property or pay alimony as provided in the final divorce decree. Other cases target child custody, visitation, and support – regardless of whether the child’s parents were married.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to take such enforcement action as:
- Obtaining a monetary judgment;
- Garnishing wages;
- Attaching income tax returns;
- Filing liens on property;
- Actions that affect the offender’s professional license; and,
- Many others.
How an Attorney Can Assist with Family Law Court Orders
Courts have the power to enforce their legal rulings, but it’s up to you to bring the matter before a judge. In most cases, you’ll have to file a motion for contempt and request that the judge enforce the previously issued order. When appropriate, there may even be sanctions against the offender. These proceedings can be complicated, especially since they often go to a trial. A lawyer can assist throughout the process by:
- Reviewing your situation;
- Investigating the grounds for contempt and enforcement;
- Filing the necessary documents in court; and,
- Representing you in court hearings and at trial.
Talk to a Winter Park Contempt and Enforcement Attorney About Your Situation
Unless you have a legal background, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer represent you in connection with Florida contempt and enforcement matters. To learn more about your rights, please contact The Troum Law Firm, P.A. You can schedule a case evaluation by calling 321-428-2247 or checking out our website. We can provide more information on your rights and remedies after learning more about your circumstances.
