Enforcement

An enforcement action is taken against a party who is not following the orders of the court, which are usually contained in the divorce decree or modification order. Common situations in which a party can bring an action for enforcement against another party arise in the event that a party fails to pay child support, fails to allow access/visitation, fails to maintain health insurance or pay medical expenses for a child, and/or refuses to turn over property awarded in the divorce decree. Enforcement is also referred to as a “contempt action” and can result in the noncompliant party being jailed, fined, and/or required to pay the aggrieved party's attorneys’ fees.