A court order is only as good as its enforcement. When the other party isn't following the decree — or when you're facing a contempt motion yourself — we help you take the next right step.
Court orders aren’t suggestions. They’re enforceable obligations. When the other party is missing child support payments, withholding visitation, refusing to exchange property, or ignoring other parts of the decree, Washington law provides mechanisms to bring them into compliance.
The mechanisms range from informal (a letter from counsel) to formal (motion to enforce, contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, asset seizure). Which tool fits depends on what’s being violated, how severe the violation is, and what outcome actually gets the other party to comply.
On the other side: if you’ve been served with a contempt motion, what you do in the first week matters. Contempt is a serious finding with real consequences — fines, jail time, and a record that follows future proceedings. We help clients facing contempt motions get into compliance, defend against unfair claims, and minimize the damage where wrongdoing occurred.
We start by assessing what’s actually being violated and how. Sometimes the answer is a firm letter and a phone call. Sometimes it’s a motion to enforce with documentation attached. Sometimes it’s a contempt filing backed by a pattern of violations.
On the defense side, we respond quickly. Contempt motions are time-sensitive. The sooner you have counsel involved, the more options you have.
“Better to talk to an attorney before you do something, rather than after you've done something.”
— Paul Posadas, Founding AttorneyNot every violation calls for a contempt filing. We match the enforcement mechanism to the actual violation — which often resolves the problem faster and at lower cost.
Enforcement cases are won on the record. We help you document violations in a way that holds up under court scrutiny — so when we file, the evidence is ready.
If you're facing a contempt motion, we assess the claim honestly. Where you're out of compliance, we help you get back in quickly. Where the motion is overreaching, we push back with specifics.
Enforcement isn't one mechanism. It's a set of tools, matched to the type of violation:
Wage garnishment, liens, tax intercept, license suspension, and direct collection through the Division of Child Support. Enforcement of arrears rarely requires returning to court if the mechanisms are used correctly.
When the other parent withholds scheduled time or refuses exchanges. Documentation is critical — courts want to see a pattern, not a single incident.
When a decree orders transfer of assets, sale of property, or execution of QDROs and the other party doesn't follow through. Specific performance and post-judgment motions bring it into compliance.
Decision-making violations, relocation without notice, or refusal to comply with dispute resolution provisions. Remedies vary by the specific violation.
When ordered maintenance isn't being paid. Many of the same collection tools used for child support are available.
When you've been served with a contempt motion. We assess whether the claim is valid, whether there are defenses, and how to minimize the consequences if wrongdoing occurred.
Before we tell you what we think, we hear what you're facing.
→You should understand the legal landscape before you make decisions in it.
→A real plan with real contingencies — not a template.
→Inside the courtroom, at the negotiation table, and everywhere in between.
→You'll never wonder what's happening in your case.
→The case ends. Your life continues. We plan for both.
→Enforcement is a broader category — any legal mechanism used to bring someone into compliance with an order. Contempt is a specific finding that someone willfully violated a court order, which carries the possibility of fines, jail time, and other sanctions.
Start with the Division of Child Support if the order is state-administered — they have enforcement tools that don't require returning to court. If the order is private or the arrears are substantial, direct enforcement through motion may be appropriate. We assess which path fits.
No. Child support and visitation are legally separate. Withholding visitation because support isn't being paid puts you in violation of the parenting plan and can damage your credibility in court. Enforce support through legal channels; don't use visitation as leverage.
Get counsel quickly. Contempt motions are time-sensitive — you have a limited window to respond, and the response matters. If you're out of compliance, we help you get back in before the hearing. If the motion is overstated or factually wrong, we build the defense.
Washington courts can impose fines, attorney's fees, makeup time, and in severe cases, jail time. A contempt finding also creates a record that follows future proceedings — which is why defense matters even when the violation seems minor.
In some cases. Purging the contempt by coming into compliance often eliminates the sanction. Appeals are possible but narrow in scope. Prevention is easier than reversal.
What Clients Say
Strata Family Law represents enforcement clients across Thurston County (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Rainier, Tenino), Pierce County (Tacoma, Puyallup, University Place, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, DuPont, Bonney Lake), and Lewis County (Chehalis, Centralia, Napavine, Morton). Whether your case is in Olympia, Tacoma, or anywhere across the greater South Sound, you get the same team, the same standard, and the same commitment.
Take the first step
One conversation can change everything.
A consultation isn't a commitment. It's a chance to understand your situation, ask the questions that keep you up at night, and find out what your options are.
Call (360) 295-9577We'll get back to you within one business day.
Our office locations
Two offices. One standard. Whether you're in Olympia or Tacoma, you get the same thoughtful counsel and the same team in your corner.
Olympia Office
Direct Line
(360) 295-9577Tacoma Office
Direct Line
(253) 733-1533