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Nelson Jones Legal — Utah Personal Injury Lawyers

Enforcement & Contempt

An Order Ignored Is Still Enforceable.

Missed support, withheld parent-time, ignored property transfers — Utah courts have real remedies, and we know how to ask for them.

The enforcement of court orders can be a daunting process, and proving your case can be tricky, even if the facts are on your side. Worse, the procedures for enforcement proceeding vary depending on which part of the state the motion is filed in. In order to provide the best chance of success in an enforcement proceeding, we recommend that people utilize the services of a competent attorney.

Located in Sandy, Nelson Jones has the experience to help present the relevant facts to the court in a manner that will help the court make the right decision. Whether the other party is not following the divorce decree or you are defending against unreasonable requests for payment, we can help represent your case.

Enforcing Child Support Payments

Prompt and complete payment of child support is a common problem. Conversely, many parents might find themselves in a position where they are financially unable to keep up with a child support obligation.

When you are not receiving the money you need to support your child, our lawyers can help you secure those funds by filing a contempt action against the other party. While the process can be long and complicated in Utah, it is well worth it to secure the funds you need to care for your child. Another option is to engage with the Utah Office of Recovery Services, which is the state agency dedicated to collecting child support.

If you are unable to keep up with the child support payments outlined in your current agreement, we can defend you in contempt cases and help you advocate for modification or adjustment in the order. Our attorneys have the knowledge and ability to advocate your best case against opposing counsel, the State of Utah, or the Court, and can do so at a value that is hard to beat.

Enforcing Alimony Payments

When a party is faced with seeking court assistance to enforce alimony, an order to show cause is the most common solution. During such proceedings, a court may find the payer spouse in contempt of court and may issue a judgment for past due alimony or order the payment of a fine, as well as the payment of attorneys fees. The court also has the power to place the offending party in jail — though this remedy, due to its severity, is very uncommon.

To explore your options in upholding your divorce agreement, schedule a consultation by calling (801) 981-8779 or reaching out online.

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Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my ex ignores the custody order?

File a motion to enforce or an order to show cause. Utah courts can order compensatory parent-time, require makeup time, impose attorney fees, and find the other parent in contempt for repeated violations.

How is unpaid child support collected?

Through income withholding, judgment liens, bank levies, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and contempt proceedings. Support arrears accrue statutory interest and are generally not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

Can I withhold parent-time because support is unpaid?

No. Parent-time and support are separate obligations. Withholding a child over unpaid support exposes you to contempt, even when the arrears are real. Enforce through the court instead.

What does contempt require?

That a clear order existed, the other party knew of it, had the ability to comply, and intentionally failed to comply. Careful documentation of each missed exchange or payment is what wins these motions.

How fast can the court act?

Urgent matters — a withheld child, an imminent relocation, or a drained account — can be filed on an expedited basis. Routine enforcement typically takes several weeks to reach a hearing.

Where We Handle These Cases

Enforcement of court orders and contempt proceedings across Utah

Nelson Jones handles enforcement of court orders and contempt proceedings from our West Jordan office and in courthouses statewide. Choose your community below for local detail, or call (385) 275-6812 for a free, confidential review.

Also serving

Locally Owned. Utah Strong.

Utah attorneys enforcing custody, support, and divorce decrees.

Nelson Jones Legal represents Utahns in enforcement of court orders and contempt proceedings from the Wasatch Front to Washington County. Our roots are here, our team lives here, and our courtrooms are the same ones you drive past on your way to work. When you hire us, you hire neighbors who know the local judges, insurance adjusters, and opposing counsel — and who treat your case with the seriousness it deserves.

We proudly serve clients across West Jordan, Salt Lake City, St. George, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Herriman, Ogden, Provo, Layton, Davis County, Utah County, and Washington County. Whether you live in a small Davis County neighborhood or run a business along the St. George corridor, our attorneys travel to you when it matters and stand beside you in every courtroom we enter.