Vecchione & Associates, P.A.

Contempt and Enforcement

 

 

Although a judge’s ruling is meant to be binding, parties sometimes disregard the court’s orders. When this happens, the law empowers the judge with the ability to enforce his or her legal ruling.  The two primary means for enforcing a legal ruling are by contempt and enforcement.  When a party in your case fails or refuses to comply with a legal order, such as non-payment of child support, Vecchione & Associates, P.A. can petition the court on your behalf to utilize one of these measures to enforce the judgment already entered.

 

Contempt

 

Contempt is a legal term that refers to the refusal to obey a judge’s order.  Oftentimes, this translates into a party’s refusal to pay child support or alimony, but can also occur when a party interrupts the previously agreed upon time-sharing schedule.

There are two different types of contempt: civil and criminal.  Likewise, there are two distint types of criminal contempt: direct and indirect.  Knowing how to navigate the legalities of these actions requires the experience of a law firm like Vecchione & Associates, P.A. 

 

If you have been awarded support payments of any kind, be it child support or alimony, but are not receiving them from the person who was ordered to pay, Vecchione & Associates, P.A. can ask the court to find that person in contempt of court.

 

Enforcement

 

Even after a judge orders a party to pay child support or alimony, or orders a party to comply with an equitable distribution decree, people sometimes decide not to comply. 

 

Fortunately, Florida law gives the judge entering such orders continued jurisdiction over these cases in order to ensure that the parties comply with these rulings. When required, Florida judges have the ability to enter monetary judgments, garnish wages, place liens on property, and suspend professional and/or driver’s licenses.

 

Are You Currently Owed Payments?

 

If you are owed child support, alimony, or attorney’s fees and court costs, but the other party is refusing to comply with the court’s order to pay, Vecchione & Associates, P.A. can take further legal action to seek compliance. We have the experience, dedication, and legal know-how needed to enforce all varieties of legal judgments and court orders.  If you have questions about the enforcement of judgments, contact Vecchione & Associates, P.A.