Court orders are not suggestions—they’re legally binding. But when one party doesn’t comply, whether it’s missing child support payments, withholding visitation, or ignoring property division terms, you may need to seek enforcement through the courts.
In Harker Heights, these issues often arise in post-divorce or custody cases. Fortunately, Texas law provides legal remedies to compel compliance.
What Can Be Enforced?
Texas courts can enforce a variety of family law orders, including:
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Child support: If the paying parent fails to meet their obligations, the court can issue wage garnishments, license suspensions, and even jail time.
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Visitation and custody: If a parent withholds the child or refuses to follow a visitation schedule, you can request enforcement and possibly even modification.
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Spousal maintenance: Missed payments can also be enforced similarly to child support.
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Property division: If an ex refuses to turn over property awarded in the divorce decree, enforcement actions can compel delivery or compensation.
How Does the Enforcement Process Work?
To begin, you’ll file a Motion for Enforcement with the court that issued your original order. This motion must detail things like:
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Which part of the order was violated
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How the violation occurred
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What relief you’re asking the court to grant
In some cases, you may request contempt of court, which can lead to fines, attorney’s fees, or jail time for the non-complying party.
It’s important to be precise. Texas law requires the original order to be clear and specific in order to be enforceable. If the order is vague, you might first need to file a clarification motion before enforcement can proceed.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Enforce My Order?
While not required, having an attorney—especially one familiar with Bell County family courts—can make a major difference. Enforcement proceedings can be technical, and a misstep in drafting or filing could lead to delays or even dismissal of your claim.
Need Help Enforcing a Court Order in Harker Heights?
If you’re dealing with a court order that’s not being followed, we’re here to help. At The Law Office of Jonathan Tanaka, PLLC, we handle enforcement matters throughout Harker Heights and the surrounding areas.
Have questions? Schedule a consultation today and let’s discuss your options.
