Family Law Services
Enforcing Court Orders
Facing non-compliance with a court order? Brown Family Law can help. Our Salt Lake City attorneys have the experience to enforce your divorce decree, holding your ex accountable for child support, visitation schedules, and other critical terms.
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Many times, after a divorce is finalized, one person does not follow the Orders contained in the Divorce Decree. Some of the most common violations are: (1) not following the parent-time scheduled (e.g., keeping children too after one’s parent-time has ended), and (2) not paying child support or some other required reimbursement (e.g., daycare costs, medical insurance premiums). These violations create tension in an already difficult situation, and can have serious repercussions on kids and on pocketbooks.
So, how do you deal with someone who’s violating a Decree? In other words, how do you enforce your Decree when your ex has disregarded it?
One way to address the problem is to file a Motion for an Order to Show Cause – i.e., Motion for Contempt. With this Motion, you ask the Court to hold your ex in contempt for violating the Court’s Order(s). As punishment for contempt, you may ask the Court to punishment in to form of making your ex: (1) pay your attorney’s fees, (2) grant you make-up parent-time, (3) take parenting classes, (4) serve time in jail.
While these are some of the possible punishments, filing a Motion for Contempt is usually about simply wanting the person to follow your Decree. This is why the Court will often tell the person in contempt he or she can purge contempt if they obey the Order from then on.
One of the benefits of bringing contempt against someone who has failed to pay child support or other financial obligations, is the Court will grant a judgment for the amount owed. You can take that judgment and garnish wages to collect the amounts due.
Keep in mind that Motions for Contempt, while useful both for recovery amounts owed and for changing behavior, must be supported by clear and convincing evidence. Please, ensure you have the proper evidence before requesting contempt.
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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY AND WHY
Check out what some of our real life clients had to say about working with Brown Family Law
Navigating a divorce is never easy, and I am so grateful to have had the support of attorney Nathaniel Garrabrandt and paralegal Carren Leavitt. From start to finish, they were responsive, professional, and compassionate. I really appreciated the weekly check-in Every phone call and email was answered promptly. There were moments when I needed immediate help with custody issues and protection—Nathaniel handled those situations with calm expertise and gave me the reassurance I needed during such a stressful and uncertain time.
Divorce can feel overwhelming, but having strong legal guidance made all the difference. Nathaniel and Carren provided not only the legal knowledge but also the steady support that helped me feel protected and confident moving forward. I couldn’t recommend Briwn Family Law more highly to anyone needing a reliable and caring legal team!
His experience working directly for a judge gives him an invaluable edge. He has a firsthand inside view of the legal system that is unteachable. This understanding alone is an incredible asset and a huge leg up in any legal matter. He's also just an encyclopedia of information, not only about the law but also about everything else. This is a testament to his naturally inquisitive and intelligent mind and is also quite comical.
But what truly characterizes his work is his love for family, first and foremost. He will represent every case with compassion and fight tirelessly for his clients as if they were his own family. You won't find a better advocate than Nicholas Schwarz if you're looking for an attorney who is intelligent, likable, and truly devoted to not only your case, but for your best interests.
I hired Clay to help me navigate a divorce involving contested marital and premarital properties spread across multiple states. The legal terrain was anything but simple. Valuation disputes, and emotionally charged negotiations. Clay handled it all with precision, professionalism, and a calm that made a difficult process feel manageable.
What stood out most was his ability to distill complicated legal issues into clear, actionable steps. He was responsive, strategic, and always one step ahead in anticipating challenges. I never felt lost in the process—Clay made sure I understood my options and the implications of every decision.
If you’re facing a divorce with significant property concerns —Clay is the kind of attorney who brings both legal rigor and human empathy. I’m grateful for his guidance and would recommend him without hesitation.
If you want a legal team that is proactive, organized, and truly dedicated to their clients, I highly recommend Nicholas and Carren at Brown Family Law.
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What Makes Us Different
At Brown Family Law, we know that when we make children’s well-being a priority, their parents do better, too.
At Brown Family Law, we know that when we make children’s well-being a priority, their parents do better, too.
At Brown Family Law, we know that when we make children’s well-being a priority, their parents do better, too.
At Brown Family Law, we know that when we make children’s well-being a priority, their parents do better, too.