Lewisville Enforcement Attorney

A court order only means something if it's actually followed. When an ex-spouse stops paying child support, or ignores the terms of a divorce decree, the paper it's written on doesn't do much good without someone willing to hold that person to it. 

Haugen Law Firm, P.C. represents parents and former spouses across Denton, Dallas, and Collin Counties who need a court order enforced, and we bring the same discipline to these cases that's guided our practice since 2007.

If someone isn't following a custody, support, or divorce order, schedule a consultation with Haugen Law Firm, P.C. online or call (972) 460-6798 today to talk about what enforcement looks like in your situation.

Our Approach to Enforcement Cases

We've worked out of Old Town Lewisville, across from Wayne Ferguson Plaza and just off I-35, since 2007, and that consistency shapes how we handle enforcement matters. Our founder's military background carries into the discipline we bring to case preparation: documentation gets organized early, deadlines get tracked closely, and clients know what to expect before they ever step into a courtroom.

We recognize that enforcement cases often involve people who've already been through a difficult divorce or custody dispute, and going back to court can feel like reopening old wounds. We also extend meaningful discounts to military members, first responders, and teachers as part of how we give back to people who serve their communities.

How the Enforcement Process Works

Filing an enforcement action starts with a petition that lays out the specific violation, when it happened, and what remedy is being requested. From there, the case generally follows this path:

1. Filing the motion — We document the violations with dates, amounts, or specific incidents.
2. Serving the other party — The person accused of violating the order has to be formally notified and given a chance to respond.
3. The hearing — Both sides present evidence. For contempt findings, the standard of proof is higher than in a typical family law hearing, so documentation matters.
4. The court's ruling — A judge can order back payments, modify how support is collected, or in serious repeat violations, order jail time.

Timelines vary by county and by how contested the case becomes, but having clear records from the start moves things along faster.

Common Situations That Call for Enforcement

Unpaid Child Support

This is one of the most frequent reasons parents reach out. When a paying parent falls behind, Texas law allows for wage withholding, liens on property, suspension of licenses, and in serious cases, contempt proceedings that can result in jail time. We help parents document what's owed and pursue the remedy that fits the situation.

Violated Custody or Possession Orders

A possession order lays out exactly when each parent has the children, down to specific days and times. When one parent consistently denies scheduled visitation, or keeps the children beyond the agreed time, the other parent can ask the court to enforce those terms. We've seen a consistent pattern that undermines the whole custody arrangement.

Ignored Divorce Decree Terms

Divorce decrees cover more than custody and support. Property division, the sale of a marital home, retirement account transfers, and debt responsibility are all enforceable terms. When an ex-spouse refuses to sign over a title, pay an assigned debt, or turn over property awarded in the decree, enforcement is the mechanism to make that happen.

Interference With Parental Rights

Beyond missed visitation, some cases involve a parent actively working to keep the other parent out of a child's life, whether through scheduling conflicts or refusing communication. These patterns can support both an enforcement action and, depending on severity, a request to modify the underlying order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone go to jail for not paying child support in Texas? 

Yes, in cases where a court finds the nonpayment was willful rather than the result of genuine inability to pay. Judges have a range of remedies available before jail becomes part of the conversation, including wage withholding and liens.

What if my ex keeps denying my scheduled visitation? 

A documented pattern of denied visitation supports an enforcement petition. Keeping records of missed exchanges, dates, and any communication about them strengthens the case significantly.

How long does an enforcement case take? 

It depends on the county, the judge's schedule, and whether the other party contests the petition. Straightforward cases with clear documentation tend to move faster than disputed ones.

What happens if I can't afford my child support payments anymore? 

This is a modification issue rather than a defense to enforcement in most cases, and it needs to be addressed proactively. Waiting until an enforcement action is filed to raise a change in circumstances puts a parent in a weaker position than filing for modification as soon as the change happens.

Talk to Haugen Law Firm, P.C. About Enforcing Your Order

A court order that isn't being followed puts real strain on a family, whether it's missed support payments piling up or a custody schedule that keeps falling apart. Getting that order enforced isn't about reopening old arguments; it's about holding both parties to what a judge already decided.

Haugen Law Firm, P.C. has represented parents and former spouses across Denton, Dallas, and Collin Counties in these cases since 2007, bringing the same discipline and preparation to every enforcement matter that's defined our practice from the start.

If someone isn't following your custody, support, or divorce order, contact Haugen Law Firm, P.C. online or call (972) 460-6798 today to talk through your next step.