Contempt & Enforcement Attorneys

Unfortunately, disputes over alimony, child support, and child custody do not always end with the entry of a final divorce judgment.  We are mindful that litigation should be a last resort.  But sometimes push comes to shove and you need the legal wherewithal to enforce or defend your hard won settlement agreement or court order and to protect your rights and those of your children.

Judges will not hold parties in contempt for technical infractions. We know the triggers that will result in sanctions or even incarceration.
— Angela L. Leiner, Shareholder

After a divorce is finalized, you may find that you need additional legal counsel to seek the enforcement of an original order. Perhaps you are not receiving child support, or the full amount of spousal support you are entitled to receive. At Mockler Leiner Law, we will take a strategic and aggressive approach to recover the full amount you are owed and work to ensure the enforcement of an original order. We are experienced in protecting our clients’ right to enforce an original divorce order. Contact us now to learn how to achieve results in your case.

As a high-stakes litigators, Richard Mockler and Angela Leiner know the ins and outs of civil procedure and Florida enforcement law.  You can expect Richard and Angela to understand the judicial mechanisms available to ensure full compliance with agreements and court orders, and to be equally familiar the defenses available to any action for contempt or enforcement.

When a settlement agreement or court order entitles you to custody or support, you have the right to enforce it if your former spouse (or other party) is not in full compliance.   Florida law offers a number of enforcement mechanisms, including the ability to seize assets, foreclosure on real property, or seek an order holding your former spouse in civil or criminal contempt of court which can include jail time. 

We are experienced in all types of enforcement proceedings, including enforcing or defending against (a) overdue child support payments; (b) spousal support orders; and (c) compliance with custody, visitation, and parenting plans.

There are technical requirements to filing a contempt motion and having someone properly held in contempt. Trust your day in court to someone who is a technician and knows their way to obtaining or defending contempt cases.
— Richard J. Mockler, Shareholder

Enforcement of Support and Custody Orders

When a court order entitles you to custody or support, you have the right to see it enforced. If you are seeking the enforcement of child support, an alimony/spousal support order, or custody arrangement, our attorneys can help you assert you rights. You may be able to start seizing assets, foreclosing on properties, or taking an approach to pursue civil or criminal penalties. We have the experience, strategies, and skills to fight for your rights.

Enforcement Proceedings

  • Enforcement of Child Support - we can take legal action on your behalf to collect all support payments in arrears or currently due.

  • Enforcement of Spousal Support - we can help you seek the enforcement of a spousal support order if you are unable to collect spousal support payments.

  • Enforcement of Custody or Parenting Plans - we can help you seek a custody arrangement or enforcement of a parenting plan if one parent does not show up or extends arrangement.

Challenging Enforcement Proceedings

Uncertain economic times may make certain payments or obligations impractical, even impossible. If you are unable to pay child support or spousal support because of a job loss, business loss, or illness, it is important to know your rights and obligations. You may be able to seek a modification or negotiate a payment plan to prevent civil penalties or even jail time for inability to pay. Click here to learn more about post judgment modification.

What We've Achieved

  • Successfully obtained writ of bodily attachment in criminal contempt case for parental kidnapping

  • Successfully obtained writ of bodily attachment in criminal contempt case for non-payment of alimony and child support

  • Obtained a contempt order and sanctions against a federal civil litigation attorney.

  • Obtained writs of bodily attachment against non-compliant parties.

  • Successfully defended contempt actions over various parenting issues.

  • Brought contempt action and successfully resolved parenting dispute where mother made numerous unilateral decisions.

  • Successfully defended criminal contempt action for non-payment of alimony on technical grounds obtaining a complete denial of the contempt motion

  • Successfully brought contempt action where mother withheld time-sharing from active duty servicemember.

  • Obtained criminal contempt order against parent ignoring time-sharing order.

  • Brought enforcement action where former husband constantly called and harassed former wife.

  • Successfully resolved numerous contempt actions involving non-payment of support.

If you have questions, please reach out to our office today. Call Mockler Leiner Law at (813) 331-5699 or contact us online.