Serving those in Clark County; including Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, and more.
Few things are more frustrating or emotionally draining than when an ex refuses to follow a court order related to child custody or financial support. You’ve worked hard to create a stable arrangement that protects your children’s well-being and meets their needs.
When court orders are ignored or violated, it can leave you feeling powerless, angry, and unsure of what to do next. You may wonder how to hold your ex accountable, protect your rights, and restore order for your family.
At Keystone Family Law, we’ve seen firsthand how these situations can disrupt families throughout Vancouver, Washington, and across Clark County. Our goal is to help clients take confident, informed steps toward enforcement, even when emotions run high.
With the guidance of a knowledgeable family law attorney, you can pursue the proper legal remedies to protect yourself and your children.
If your ex isn’t following your custody or support order, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to us today to discuss your situation and learn how to move forward effectively.
Court orders regarding custody and support are legally binding, meaning both parties are required to comply. When one parent decides not to comply, the other has the right to seek enforcement. Violations can happen in many forms, and identifying them early helps you take timely action.
Custody violations typically involve one parent disregarding the parenting plan or court order that sets out visitation schedules, decision-making authority, or communication terms. Some common examples include:
Denying scheduled visitation: Refusing to allow the other parent to see the child during their court-ordered parenting time.
Failing to return the child on time: Repeatedly bringing the child back late or not returning them at all.
Interfering with communication: Blocking phone calls, texts, or virtual visits that are part of the order.
Making unilateral decisions: Enrolling the child in a new school, moving to a new city, or making medical decisions without the other parent’s consent.
If these behaviors persist, it’s important to consult a family law attorney who can help you determine whether they constitute a legal violation and what enforcement steps to take.
Support order violations can involve either child support or spousal support (alimony). These may include:
Nonpayment: Failing to make full or timely payments as required.
Partial payments: Paying less than the ordered amount without court approval.
Hiding income: Underreporting earnings or working under the table to avoid paying support.
Refusing to provide health insurance: Not maintaining medical coverage as required by the order.
Repeated violations can quickly cause financial strain. A family law attorney can help you file a motion to enforce the support order and request remedies such as wage garnishment or contempt proceedings.
Violating a court order is serious. Courts in Clark County and throughout Washington State expect compliance and can impose penalties to uphold their authority.
When a parent violates a custody order, the court may impose several consequences:
Contempt of court: The violating parent may be found in contempt, resulting in fines, make-up visitation, or even jail time for severe or repeated violations.
Modification of custody: The judge may modify the existing custody order if violations show a pattern of disregard for the child’s best interests.
Attorney’s fees: The violating parent may be ordered to pay your attorney’s fees and court costs.
Courts typically prefer to preserve parental relationships, but persistent violations can lead to significant changes in custody arrangements. Working with a family law attorney helps demonstrate to the court how these violations harm both you and your child.
When a parent refuses to pay support, the court has several enforcement tools available:
Income withholding: Also called wage garnishment, this allows support payments to be deducted directly from the paying parent’s paycheck.
Seizure of assets: The court may place liens on property or seize bank accounts to satisfy unpaid support.
License suspension: Driver’s, professional, or recreational licenses can be suspended until payments resume.
Tax refund interception: The state may intercept tax refunds to cover arrears.
Contempt of court: Continued refusal to pay support can result in fines or jail time.
A family law attorney can help you decide which enforcement method is appropriate and file the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
If your ex violates a court order, it’s natural to feel angry or tempted to retaliate—but taking the right legal steps is critical. Acting strategically protects your credibility and strengthens your case in court.
Start by keeping detailed records of each violation. Documentation creates a clear record of noncompliance and strengthens your case. Include:
Dates and times: Record when violations occurred and how long they lasted.
Screenshots or messages: Save text messages, emails, or voicemails related to the issue.
Witness statements: If someone else observed the violation, ask them to document what they saw.
Financial proof: For support violations, keep copies of bank statements, pay stubs, or any partial payments made.
Your family law attorney can use this evidence to present a compelling case in court.
In some cases, a misunderstanding or miscommunication may be the cause of the violation. A calm discussion might resolve the issue without needing to return to court. However, if your ex becomes combative, stops responding, or continues to violate the order, it’s time to escalate the matter.
If direct communication fails or the situation worsens, speak with your family law attorney right away. They can help you evaluate your options, gather additional evidence, and file an appropriate motion with the court. Attorneys are familiar with Clark County court procedures and can act quickly to protect your rights.
Your attorney may file a motion for contempt or motion to enforce depending on the situation. These filings ask the court to intervene and compel your ex to follow the order. During the hearing, both sides present evidence, and the judge decides what sanctions or remedies are appropriate.
Once the court issues an enforcement order, continue documenting compliance or noncompliance. If your ex continues to violate the order, additional penalties may follow, and your attorney can help you pursue further action.
In some situations, a violation occurs because the existing order is no longer realistic. For example, one parent may have lost their job, relocated, or experienced a significant life change. If this happens, modification—not enforcement—may be more appropriate.
You might consider modification when:
Income changes significantly: If either parent’s income changes substantially, it can affect child or spousal support.
Parenting schedules are outdated: As children grow, old schedules may no longer fit their needs.
Relocation is required: If a parent must move for work or personal reasons, a revised custody plan might be necessary.
Health or safety concerns arise: New circumstances may require a reassessment of what’s in the child’s best interest.
Before filing for modification, speak with a family law attorney. They’ll help determine whether you have sufficient grounds and can prepare the documentation needed to present your case effectively.
When your ex violates a custody or support order, it’s more than a legal issue—it’s a disruption to your family’s stability and peace of mind. At Keystone Family Law, we help parents across Vancouver, Washington, and throughout Clark County take meaningful action to enforce their rights and restore balance.
An experienced family law attorney can explain your options, represent your interests in court, and help you pursue the outcome that protects your children and secures your financial well-being. You don’t have to tolerate repeated violations or ongoing stress.
Reach out to Keystone Family Law today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward regaining control of your custody or support situation.
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