Enforcement of Orders in the San Fernando Valley

Enforcing Divorce, Custody, Support & Visitation Orders

Now that your divorce is settled and you are starting to rebuild your life, you trust that your ex-spouse will comply with all divorce orders outlined in your final divorce decree. In the decree, everything from visitation, spousal support, custody, and child support will be outlined. A failure to adhere to the decree can cause serious complications.

If you are looking to enforce an order, or you are in breach of a court order, it is important that you work with Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law. Call (818) 839-2533 now.

In enforcing a custody order upon your ex-spouse, there are a few things you should remember. First, it is important that you keep a copy of your court orders, preferably in a safe place. These orders are important because they outline the details that are expected from your ex-spouse. If they are child custody orders, it is recommended that you do your best to remember the details pertaining to visitation, holidays, vacation time, and more. Spousal or child support orders should be memorized as well, because a failure to pay on the designated pay date could cause significant problem.

When a parent does not adhere to a portion of the court order, there are a few options you can take. First and foremost, you need to quickly contact authorities. With the assistance of a police officer, you may be able to enforce the order. Next, you need to contact an attorney. When you work with a lawyer, such as one from Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law, you can file an action of contempt with the court. This process can be very long and complicated and requires the assistance of a trusted attorney. It is vitally important that you act quickly and retain legal counsel.

Enforcement of Child Support

There are several different legal remedies available to a parent who is having trouble collecting court-ordered child support payments from the non-custodial parent. Child support enforcement is an action that our firm takes very seriously, and we offer a free case evaluation to discuss your situation.

Following are the potential actions that a person may take to seek the enforcement of child support:

• When child support is a court-ordered obligation, a person who willfully and knowingly fails to pay may be held in contempt of court. This means that a bench warrant would be issued for their arrest, where they would then be brought into court to face possible fines and jail time.
• The court may also issue a wage assignment order which would basically order the person's employer to directly pay the custodial parent their child support payment.
• Assets may be seized or sold to pay the child support. This is achieved by filing a petition with the court and may also affect bank accounts if large amounts of child support payments are past due.
• At times the spouse required to pay child support may be required to deposit the full amount due for a year in to an interest bearing account, as a guarantee that it will be paid every month. If a child support payment is more than 10 days overdue at any time, a disbursement may be made from the account to satisfy the amount due.
• If your ex-spouse contests the amount of child support you are owed, a court hearing may be held to determine exactly what amount is owed. Interest may be accrued at the rate of 10% per year and added to what's owed.

Local Resources for Enforcing Orders in the San Fernando Valley

Living in the San Fernando Valley, you have access to various local resources and government entities that can assist in enforcing court orders related to divorce, custody, support, and visitation. The Los Angeles County Department of Child Support Services, located nearby, is a valuable resource for parents struggling to collect child support payments. They offer services to help establish, enforce, and modify child support orders, ensuring your child's needs are met.

Another important local entity is the Los Angeles Superior Court, which has several branches in the San Fernando Valley, including in Van Nuys and Chatsworth. These courts handle family law matters and can assist in filing actions of contempt or other enforcement measures. Being familiar with these local resources is crucial, as they can provide the necessary support and legal avenues to ensure compliance with court orders.

Residents of the San Fernando Valley often face unique challenges when it comes to enforcing visitation and custody orders. The area's busy lifestyle and traffic congestion can complicate visitation schedules, making it essential to have clear and enforceable court orders. Additionally, the high cost of living in the Valley can strain financial resources, making timely spousal and child support payments even more critical.

At Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law, we understand the specific pain points San Fernando Valley residents face. Whether navigating the local court system or dealing with the complexities of enforcing visitation schedules, our team is here to help. We are committed to providing personalized legal support that addresses the unique needs of our community, ensuring that your rights and the best interests of your children are protected.

Why Hire a San Fernando Valley Child Support Enforcement Attorney?

Child support enforcement is a legal procedure and is therefore best handled by an experienced attorney with the knowledge and resources to effectively handle your case and take the legal route that is right for you. At Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law, we understand it is important that these laws are enforced, which is why we will work aggressively to ensure your ex-spouse adheres to the terms of your orders. When you work with our team, you will be working with lawyers who have over three decades of experience in providing outstanding representation to clients in their time of need.

Contact a lawyer at Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation regarding your enforcement matter.