Alabama Post-Divorce Enforcement Law Firm

Huntsville attorneys provide skilled and effective legal support 

You may believe that your disputes are finally behind you once you have your divorce decree in hand. However, if your former spouse does not comply with any aspect of a divorce decree, enforcement may be necessary. At Amy A. Slayden Family Law P.C. in Huntsville, we help Alabama clients take appropriate corrective action, whether through communication with the non-compliant party or in court. We also defend individuals accused of non-compliance. Whatever your need, you can rely on our experienced family law firm for exceptional support. 

Types of issues that may require enforcement actions following divorce

The following are areas in which non-compliance may trigger the need for enforcement:

• Unpaid child support — A spouse owed child support can move for court order compelling payment, which could result in wage garnishment and liens and levies against bank accounts and other assets. A court can also order driver’s license and professional license suspensions and passport denial or revocation. 
• Violations of child custody or visitation — A court can issue warnings or order fines, loss of visitation rights and even jail time for violators. The court might also modify custody orders in cases of persistent non-compliance. 
• Alimony — A spouse owed alimony can move for a court order compelling payment, which could result in wage garnishment and liens against assets of the non-compliant party. Jail time is also a possibility for ongoing violations. 
• Failure to transfer property — A party can bring a contempt motion that could result in fines and jail time until the other party complies. 

We will help you decide on the steps to take to begin the divorce order enforcement process and guide you throughout to reach your outcome goal. 

Resolving issues through negotiations and court intervention 

It is important to take legal action promptly, aided by an attorney adept in court procedures. Sometimes it is possible to resolve the non-compliance issue through attorney communication with the other party or through negotiation. However, in some cases, going to court is the only way to compel compliance. Our firm is proactive in analyzing the best ways to proceed with enforcement efforts. 

Process of filing a contempt of court petition 

An enforcement motion is filed in the same court that granted your divorce decree. Before filing, your attorney can assist you in gathering evidence of the violation in question. Evidence could include notes you kept documenting the violation with dates and times, emails and text messages, voice mail messages and witness statements. After filing, a notice of motion and supporting papers are served on your former spouse, who will then have the chance to respond. You will both be obliged to attend a hearing before a judge. As your enforcement attorneys, we will prepare thorough arguments backed by evidence and will be your fierce legal representative in the courtroom. 

Contact a Huntsville lawyer for help with post-divorce enforcement actions 

At the firm of Amy A. Slayden Family Law P.C. in Huntsville, our attorneys are well-versed in bringing and defending against Alabama post-divorce enforcement actions. Call us at 256-529-4437 or contact us online to schedule a case evaluation.