Seattle Child Custody Enforcement Lawyer

A Seattle child custody enforcement lawyer could help you ensure that your co-parent abides by your custody agreement. Although it is upsetting when the other parent refuses to comply with the order or fails to return your child at the required time, there are steps you can take to enforce the parenting plan.

You do not have to face this difficult situation alone. At Twyford Law Office, we understand how to hold parents accountable when they refuse to follow the orders of the court. Let our dedicated child custody attorneys assist you every step of the way.

Negotiating Can Be Valuable

As frustrating as having a former partner violate a custody order can be, there are times when these issues can be resolved amicably. Some incidents are due to misunderstandings or circumstances out of the other parent’s control. Other problems might be the result of a disagreement, but our firm could help mediate a peaceful resolution.

With the support of a Seattle attorney, your legal team could work to resolve any disputes and ensure that the child custody order is followed moving forward. The benefit of this approach is that it does not require the cost and delays that are involved in extended court proceedings.

What are the Consequences of Violating a Court Order?

When the other parent refuses to comply with an order of the court, they could face a number of consequences if you raise the issue with the judge. There can be steep penalties in this scenario, including fines, changes to visitation rights, and even the loss of custody altogether.

The courts are known for aggressively enforcing custody orders, as they are designed with the best interests of the child in mind. Children are best served by a stable home environment, and any deviation from the custody plan can be harmful.

It is important to avoid attempting to deal with violations of the court order directly. Confronting the other parent is unlikely to be helpful and can make matters worse. Instead, put your trust in our Seattle lawyers to help you make sure your child custody agreement is enforced.

What To Do When the Other Parent Breaks the Terms of the Agreement?

The first step to take when the other parent breaches the terms of the child custody agreement is to document their behavior. Make note of when they are late to pick up or return the child, with specific attention to situations where the child is not returned on the agreed-upon date. Retain any text messages or voicemails about the incident.

If it is not possible to resolve the issue through your child custody attorney, the next enforcement step may be to file a motion for contempt with the Seattle court. The judge has extensive powers to enforce the underlying order, and the former partner is required to comply, even if they believe they have viable grounds for changing the arrangement.

The court has a number of options if it determines that the other party is in contempt. The judge could fine the co-parent or reduce their visitation rights. In some situations, this behavior could lead to the loss of custody entirely. Our firm is here to help you get a fair outcome and protect your rights.

Talk to a Seattle Attorney About Enforcing Your Child Custody Order

If your co-parent refuses to comply with a court-ordered child custody arrangement, you have options for enforcing the agreement. A Seattle child custody enforcement lawyer could help you aggressively pursue the best possible path moving forward. Contact Twyford Law Office today to discuss your options.