Contempt (child support and alimony enforcement)

Augusta, Georgia Divorce and Family Law Attorneys

The terms of a divorce settlement are court-mandated obligations with which each party is required to comply. Failure to pay child support, alimony, adhere to visitation schedules, or to disclose all sources of income in the division of marital property may constitute contempt.

At Shepard, Plunkett, our attorneys represent clients in enforcement and contempt order motions involving failure to follow the terms of a divorce settlement, divorce decree, or parenting order.

In cases involving child support or alimony nonpayment, we work with private investigators and accountants to track down delinquent parents and hidden assets.

We also represent non-custodial parents in cases involving violations of visitation rights or attempts to move children out of state without court approval.

Regardless of whether you're trying to collect unpaid child support, defend yourself against an enforcement action, or assert your visitation rights, contact a lawyer at Shepard, Plunkett today.

Enforcement of Divorce Settlement Terms

Shepard, Plunkett represents clients in cases involving the following divorce enforcement and contempt issues:

• Nonpayment of child support
• Nonpayment of spousal support/alimony
• Child visitation and custody rights
• Post-divorce modifications or court orders

Child Support Enforcement and the Consequences of Contempt

Failure to pay child support as ordered by the court can result in serious legal complications. While the state will pursue delinquent child support payments, the process is often slow.

An advantage of working with our lawyers is the relative speed with which we can recover unpaid child support. While each case is different, we can ask the court to take the following actions in order to recover unpaid child support:

• Garnishment of wages
• Suspension of professional licenses
• Suspension of driver's license
• Seizure of certain kinds of assets
• Seizure of tax refunds
• Jail

Post-Divorce Modifications and Contempt Orders

There are legitimate reasons why child support or alimony may need to be reduced or, in certain cases, increased. Typically, illness or job loss will require a post-divorce modification in order justify a change in child support or alimony payments.

Too often, however, couples mistakenly believe they can reach an oral agreement outside of the court in order to resolve what one party may claim is only a temporary problem. However, these kinds of oral agreements between former spouses are not legally binding or legitimate. As a result, both parties may be subject to certain kinds of penalties if the court finds out the terms of a divorce settlement were not honored — for whatever reason.

Contact an Attorney at Shepard, Plunkett, Hamilton & Boudreaux

For more information regarding enforcement and contempt issues related to child support, visitation, alimony, or geographical relocation, contact a family law attorney at Shepard, Plunkett today.

Free consultations in select matters ● Credit cards accepted ● Call (706) 955-4185 or (706) 955-1670 today to speak with an experienced personal injury, criminal defense, or litigation attorney from either our Augusta or Evans, Georgia offices.