When a court issues a legal order—whether related to child custody, child support, or spousal support—both parties are legally obligated to comply. Unfortunately, not everyone adheres to these orders, and non-compliance can cause significant stress and hardship for the other party. If you are dealing with a situation where your ex-spouse or co-parent is not following a court order, you have the right to seek enforcement through the legal system.
Paula S. Pierce-Nichols, Attorney at Law, is here to help you enforce your legal rights and ensure that court orders are upheld.
With years of experience serving families in Magnolia, The Woodlands, Conroe, Montgomery County, and Harris County, Paula understands the challenges and frustrations that come with enforcing court orders. She is committed to providing strong, effective legal representation to help you resolve these issues and protect your interests.
Enforcement refers to the legal process of compelling a person to comply with a court order. In family law, enforcement actions are typically related to child custody, child support, or spousal support orders that one party has failed to follow. When someone does not comply with a court order, the other party can seek enforcement through the court, which may involve legal consequences for the non-compliant party.
Child custody orders are meant to ensure that both parents have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities regarding their children. When one parent fails to adhere to the custody agreement—whether by denying visitation, refusing to return the child after visitation, or making unilateral decisions without the other parent’s consent—the other parent can seek enforcement through the court.
Common issues that may require enforcement include:
If your co-parent is refusing to allow you the visitation time granted by the court, you can take legal action to enforce the order. The court may issue penalties against the non-compliant parent or modify the custody arrangement to prevent future violations.
If your co-parent is interfering with your custody rights—such as by relocating without permission or withholding the child—you can seek enforcement to protect your rights and ensure the custody order is followed.
Consistent failure to follow the court-ordered custody schedule, including late drop-offs or pick-ups, can be grounds for enforcement. The court can impose consequences to ensure compliance with the custody order.
Paula S. Pierce-Nichols will work with you to document the violations and take the necessary legal steps to enforce the custody order, ensuring that your parental rights are protected.
Life circumstances can change, and existing custody orders may no longer serve the best interest of the child. If you or the other parent experiences a significant change in circumstances, you may need to request a modification of the custody order. Modifications can be complex, requiring evidence that demonstrates why the change is necessary.
Common reasons for seeking a modification include:
The court can order the non-compliant parent’s wages to be garnished, with the child support payments automatically deducted from their paycheck.
If a parent willfully refuses to pay child support, the court can hold them in contempt, which may result in fines, jail time, or other penalties.
The court may suspend the non-compliant parent’s driver’s license, professional licenses, or hunting and fishing licenses until they comply with the child support order.
The court can place liens on the non-compliant parent’s property, such as their home or vehicle, to secure payment of overdue child support.
Paula S. Pierce-Nichols has extensive experience in child support enforcement and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the financial support your children are entitled to.
Spousal support, or alimony, is designed to provide financial assistance to a spouse following a divorce. When the paying spouse fails to make the required payments, the recipient spouse can seek enforcement through the court. Texas law offers several enforcement options to ensure that spousal support is paid as ordered.
Enforcement options for spousal support include:
Similar to child support, the court can order the paying spouse’s wages to be garnished to ensure that spousal support payments are made.
The paying spouse can be held in contempt of court for failing to make spousal support payments, resulting in penalties such as fines or jail time.
The court can place liens on the paying spouse’s property or seize assets to satisfy unpaid spousal support obligations.
If you are not receiving the spousal support you are entitled to, Paula S. Pierce-Nichols will help you take the necessary legal steps to enforce the order and secure the financial support you need.
Enforcing a court order involves a legal process that requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of Texas family law. Here’s how the enforcement process typically works:
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Paula S. Pierce-Nichols, please contact us at:
Enforcing a court order can be a challenging and emotionally draining process, but with Paula S. Pierce-Nichols by your side, you can feel confident that your rights will be protected. Here’s why clients in the Greater Houston area trust Paula with their enforcement cases:
Paula has extensive experience handling enforcement cases in Texas family law. Her deep understanding of the legal system allows her to navigate the complexities of enforcement with skill and precision.
Paula is a fierce advocate for her clients, committed to ensuring that court orders are upheld and that her clients receive the support and protection they are entitled to under the law.
Every enforcement case is unique, and Paula takes the time to understand your specific situation. She develops a tailored legal strategy to address the violations and achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Paula understands the stress and frustration that comes with enforcing a court order. She provides compassionate, responsive support throughout the process, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
Paula S. Pierce-Nichols provides expert family law services to several Texas communities, including Magnolia, The Woodlands, Conroe, Montgomery County, and Harris County. She offers personalized and effective legal representation, helping families with custody disputes, modifications, and other legal challenges. Paula’s deep knowledge of the local legal landscapes makes her a trusted advocate, committed to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients in each area. Her expertise is especially valuable in handling complex family law cases in Harris County.
Paula S. Pierce-Nichols is committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation. Whether you need assistance with a child custody case, a modification, or an enforcement matter, Paula is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward resolving your legal issues.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Paula S. Pierce-Nichols, please contact us at:
