Enforcement of Orders Attorney in Denton
When a Court Order Exists but Compliance Doesn’t
One thing we tell every client who finalizes a divorce or resolves a family law matter is this: a divorce decree or other court order is only a piece of paper unless both parties abide by its provisions. It means nothing in practice if one party defies the court’s directives. That’s where an enforcement of orders attorney in Denton can make a real difference.
Unfortunately, we see non-compliance all too often. When a party stops making child support payments or fails to maintain health insurance coverage for the children, the real victims are the kids. Other frequent violations involve child custody and visitation schedules, property division directives, and spousal support/maintenance obligations.
Non-compliance isn’t always deliberate. But whether it stems from disagreement with the order, a desire to punish, financial hardship, or simple indifference, the proper response is the same: comply, or ask the court for a modification of the existing court order. Stopping performance unilaterally is not a legally acceptable option.
Consequences of Violating a Texas Family Court Order
A party who willfully fails to comply with a Texas family court order may be held in contempt of court under the Texas Family Code. Contempt is a serious legal finding. Penalties can include fines, payment of the compliant party’s attorneys’ fees and court costs, community supervision, or incarceration. Jail is typically a last resort. Courts often suspend a sentence, particularly when the non-compliant party owes financial obligations, because incarceration may prevent them from earning the income needed to satisfy the debt.
At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, we have experience handling enforcement of court orders in Denton and throughout North Texas, including matters involving divorce, child custody, and child support. The compliant party shouldn’t have to bear the effort, expense, and frustration of pursuing enforcement alone. We can help clients hold the other party accountable through the proper legal channels.
The Process: Motions, Contempt & Your Legal Options
No matter how frustrated you are, taking matters into your own hands can make your situation worse. Withholding court-ordered visitation in retaliation for unpaid child support, for example, can itself constitute a violation of the custody order and damage your legal standing. The right move is to work with an enforcement of orders attorney in Denton who can pursue the appropriate remedies on your behalf.
Two primary legal tools are available when a former spouse or co-parent fails to abide by a family court order. A Motion to Enforce asks the court to compel compliance with a specific provision. A Motion for Contempt asks the court to hold the non-compliant party in contempt and impose penalties such as fines or incarceration. For contempt to apply under Texas law, the underlying court order must be clear, specific, and unambiguous as to the duties and obligations it imposes on each party. If an existing order is too vague to support contempt, it can be revised for clarity before enforcement is pursued.
Don’t wait to get started on your case. Contact our firm today.
Types of Court Orders We Help Denton Clients Enforce
Family law enforcement matters cover a range of obligations, and each type of order presents its own compliance challenges. Our approach is tailored to the specifics of your situation.
- Child Support and Health Insurance: We address missed monthly payments and a parent’s failure to maintain court-ordered health insurance coverage for the child, as required under the divorce decree or support order.
- Custody and Visitation Schedules: We handle situations where one parent is being denied court-ordered parenting time, or where a parent refuses to return a child according to the schedule established by the court.
- Property Division Directives: We pursue enforcement when a former spouse fails to transfer assets, accounts, or real property as ordered in the divorce decree.
- Spousal Maintenance: We address non-payment of court-ordered spousal support through wage withholding orders or contempt proceedings, depending on the circumstances.
Why Denton Clients Bring Their Enforcement Cases to Us
Enforcement matters move quickly, and the attorney you choose needs to know how Denton County courts handle these cases. Gregory C. Goline has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2005 and has developed direct familiarity with the North Texas court system over that time. Theresa Blake Goline brings training in both mediation practice and trial advocacy, positioning our firm to handle enforcement matters through negotiation or litigation, depending on what your case requires.
Personalized Case Handling
We treat no two cases the same. Our legal strategies are built around your specific order, your specific circumstances, and the particular way the other party has failed to comply. Our open communication policy means you receive regular updates throughout the process, so you always know where your case stands.
Accessible & Flexible Representation
We offer flexible consultations including night and weekend appointments, along with accommodating payment plans, to make our representation accessible when you need it. With over three decades of combined experience and deep roots in Texas, our attorneys bring local knowledge and personalized attention that enforcement matters demand. We serve clients in Denton and throughout North Texas.
Contact Our Denton Enforcement of Orders Attorneys
If a former spouse or co-parent is ignoring a court order, you don’t have to navigate the enforcement process alone. Call (940) 400-0475 or reach out online to schedule a consultation with our team. Night and weekend appointments are available.
Ready to take action? Call (940) 400-0475 or contact us online to get started.
