La Plata Family Law Enforcement Lawyer
Protecting Your Rights When Court Orders Are Ignored
Court orders for custody, visitation, child support, or alimony are not suggestions—they are legally binding obligations. When one party fails to follow through on these obligations, it can create emotional stress, financial instability, and confusion for everyone involved—especially children.
At Fanning Law, we help clients throughout Charles County and Southern Maryland enforce family court orders and hold non-compliant parties accountable. With more than 30 years of experience in Maryland family law, La Plata family law enforcement lawyer William C. Fanning, Jr. provides knowledgeable, assertive representation to protect your rights and restore the integrity of your court orders.
When Enforcement Becomes Necessary
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for one party to disregard a family court order—whether out of anger, financial difficulty, or a belief that they won’t face consequences. Some of the most common enforcement issues involve nonpayment of child support or alimony, interference with custody or visitation rights, refusal to return a child after scheduled parenting time, and failure to follow the terms of a separation or divorce agreement. If your former spouse or co-parent is violating a court order, you have legal remedies available. Fanning Law can help you take swift and effective action to enforce the terms of your judgment and ensure compliance going forward.
Enforcing Child Support Orders in La Plata
Maryland’s child support laws exist to ensure that both parents contribute financially to their children’s well-being. When a parent falls behind or stops paying support altogether, it can place an enormous burden on the custodial parent and the child.
To enforce a child support order, the court may, for example:
- Garnish wages or tax refunds
- Intercept unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits
- Suspend driver’s or professional licenses
- Place liens on property or bank accounts
- Hold the nonpaying parent in contempt of court
Being held in contempt can result in fines, attorney’s fees, and even jail time. At Fanning Law, we can help you file an enforcement action or respond to a contempt motion if you’re facing allegations of nonpayment.
Enforcing Custody and Visitation Orders
When one parent interferes with the other’s custodial rights, it can damage the parent-child relationship and create unnecessary conflict. Examples include:
- A parent refusing to return the child after scheduled visitation
- A custodial parent denying visitation without cause
- A parent relocating without court permission
- One parent making unilateral decisions about the child’s schooling or healthcare
If your parenting time is being obstructed or ignored, the court can take corrective action, including ordering make-up visitation time, modifying the custody order in your favor, holding the non-compliant parent in contempt of court, or ordering the violating parent to pay your legal fees.
We understand that these situations are deeply personal. Attorney William C. Fanning, Jr. works diligently to protect your parental rights and preserve the stability and routine your child deserves.
Enforcing Spousal Support (Alimony) Orders
Alimony enforcement may become necessary when a former spouse stops paying or pays less than required. Depending on the circumstances, the court can take various steps, including garnishing wages or bank accounts, intercepting tax refunds, issuing a judgment for arrears (unpaid amounts), or holding the non-paying spouse in contempt.
If you are owed alimony and not receiving it, or if you are being accused of falling behind, Fanning Law can help you present a clear and thorough case, whether seeking enforcement or defending against unjust enforcement claims.
Contempt of Court in Family Law
When a party willfully violates a court order, the court can hold them in civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt is designed to compel compliance—for example, ordering someone jailed until they pay overdue support. Criminal contempt, by contrast, punishes past disobedience and may involve fines or jail time even if the original order is later followed.
To prove contempt, the court must find:
- A valid court order exists
- The other party knew about the order
- They had the ability to comply with it
- They willfully failed to do so
Our firm can help you initiate or respond to contempt proceedings, ensuring that your rights are protected and that the facts are fully presented to the court.
Enforcing Out-of-State Orders in Maryland
If you have a custody, support, or divorce order issued in another state and now live in Maryland—or your ex has moved to Maryland—you may need to register the order in Maryland before it can be enforced here. This is especially important when seeking enforcement of child support under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) or custody under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). Fanning Law can help you navigate these procedural steps and take appropriate enforcement action under Maryland law.
Why Legal Representation Matters in La Plata Enforcement Cases
Enforcement actions often involve strong emotions and complicated facts. Whether you’re seeking to compel compliance or defend against a motion for contempt, having a skilled attorney by your side can make a critical difference. Fanning Law provides strategic planning for enforcement or defense, including evidence gathering and documentation support, assertive courtroom representation, and help with settlement and negotiated compliance where appropriate. We understand the stress that comes with trying to get an ex-spouse or co-parent to follow the rules. Let us help you stand up for your rights and hold others accountable.
Serving Families in La Plata and Throughout Southern Maryland
From our office in La Plata, we assist clients across Charles County, including Port Tobacco, Indian Head, Hughesville, and nearby areas. We understand the procedures and personalities of the local courts and provide experienced, tailored service to every client we represent.
Let Fanning Law Help Enforce Your La Plata Family Court Order
You shouldn’t have to fight the same battle twice. If a court order is being ignored, Fanning Law is here to help you take decisive legal action. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with enforcement proceedings.
