Contempt

Child Support Enforcement and Alimony Enforcement


When an ex-spouse or parent fails to pay child support or alimony, those dependent on that income often suffer financially and emotionally. Fortunately, the court understands the importance of these decrees, and those who have failed to pay could suffer serious consequences.


At the Law Offices of Lynn H. Sturges, we offer clients several options when dealing with the non-payment of child support or spousal support:


  • Complaint for contempt - When one party fails to meet the guidelines set by a court order, the other party may file a complaint for contempt. The non-compliant party must return to court to defend the action, even if they have moved away, lost a job or otherwise had a change in circumstances. Continued failure to comply could result in serious financial penalties and/or jail time.
  • Garnishment - If the non-paying party's employment information is known, a garnishment can be a faster and less expensive way to collect support. Through wage garnishment, an employer is required to withhold earnings of the non-compliant individual to repay child support or alimony.
  • Income deduction - Similar to wage garnishment, automatic wage deduction allows the non-custodial parent to have the required child or spousal support funds automatically taken out of his or her wages.