How do I enforce a court order?

Enforcing a court order is a process that begins when a court issues a written document known as an order. The court order will detail the legal obligations of the individual or parties involved. In Washington, the enforcement of a court order begins by filing a motion with the court for enforcement. The motion must provide specifics—such as the exact language from the court order that is being violated—as to why the court order is being enforced. After the motion is filed, a hearing is held. The party seeking to enforce the order must appear at the hearing and provide evidence that the other party is in violation of the court order. If the court finds that the order has been violated, the judge may issue a contempt order. A contempt order can impose fines, jail time, and other restrictions. In addition, the court may issue a writ of execution or a wage garnishment order. A writ of execution is an order to a county sheriff or private contractor to garnish the wages of the individual in violation of the court order. A wage garnishment order requires an employer to withhold a certain percentage of the individual’s wages to satisfy the court order. Finally, in some cases, it is possible to pursue criminal charges for violating a court order. Violating a court order can be a misdemeanor or felony offense depending on the circumstances. Enforcing a court order requires technical compliance with the law and the court system. It is important to seek specific advice from a lawyer or counselor in order to understand the process and fully understand the legal rights of all parties involved.

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