Court orders in family law cases carry real legal weight. Whether it’s a parenting plan, a child support obligation, or a spousal maintenance order, both parties are expected to follow the terms. But when one party refuses to comply, what happens next?
In Auburn, and throughout King County, Washington law provides two primary tools for addressing noncompliance: contempt motions and motions to enforce court orders. These legal actions aren’t just procedural—they’re essential tools that help ensure fairness, accountability, and enforcement when someone deliberately ignores a court’s directive.
Whether you're facing unpaid support, parenting time violations, or defiance of a spousal support order, it's important to understand your legal options. The following overview walks through the key statutes involved and explains how enforcement works in language that’s easy to understand—even if your situation feels anything but simple.
Key Washington Statutes for Enforcing Family Law Orders
Washington’s family law enforcement structure is built on a strong foundation of statutory authority. The most relevant provisions appear in RCW 26.18.050, which is focused on the enforcement of child support and financial orders. Additional support comes from RCW 26.09.160 (contempt in domestic relations cases), RCW 7.21 (civil contempt law), and RCW 7.105.450, which deals with protection order enforcement. Below are five core legal tools, each followed by a clear, practical explanation.
“Immediate income withholding may be ordered if the person required to pay support has earnings. If immediate income withholding is ordered under this subsection, all support payments shall be paid to the Washington state support registry.”
— RCW 26.23.050
What it means:
In Auburn, every child support order includes an automatic wage withholding clause. That means support payments can be taken directly from the paying party’s paycheck and sent to the Washington State Support Registry—no additional hearing required. This helps avoid disputes and keeps support flowing without delay.
“If a party fails to comply with a provision of a decree or temporary order of injunction… shall be deemed bad faith and shall be punished by the court by holding the party in contempt of court.”
— RCW 26.09.160(1)
What it means:
If a parent or ex-spouse deliberately violates a court order—such as not delivering the children for scheduled visits or skipping support payments—they can be found in contempt. This legal finding may come with fines, mandatory compliance orders, or even jail time in repeat or severe cases.
“A law enforcement officer shall arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person whom the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe has violated a domestic violence protection order.”
— RCW 7.105.450
What it means:
Ignoring a protection order is not just a civil violation—it’s a criminal offense. In Auburn, police are required to arrest anyone who violates a domestic violence or anti-harassment protection order if they have probable cause. These cases often involve jail time, probation, or enhanced court protections.
“A petition or motion seeking a mandatory wage assignment in an action under RCW 26.18.040 may be filed by an obligee if the obligor is… more than fifteen days past due in child support or maintenance payments…”
— RCW 26.18.070
What it means:
Falling more than 15 days behind on court-ordered support can trigger powerful legal remedies. Courts may issue wage assignments, seize funds from bank accounts, place liens on property, or notify credit agencies. These tools help collect unpaid support without constant court appearances.
“If an obligor fails to comply with a support or maintenance order, a petition or motion may be filed without notice under RCW 26.18.040 to initiate a contempt action as provided in chapter 7.21 RCW.”
— RCW 26.18.050(1)
What it means:
If a person violates a support order and cannot prove a valid reason—like illness or job loss—the court must initiate enforcement. This law removes discretion from judges when valid orders go ignored. The outcome may include garnishment, contempt penalties, or judgment collection.
All Auburn Family Law Cases Are Handled by King County Superior Court
If you're dealing with a court order violation in Auburn, your case will be heard in King County Superior Court. These situations can quickly escalate, especially if one party refuses to cooperate. Whether you're trying to enforce an order or defend against a contempt motion, having an experienced Auburn family law attorney on your side is critical.
1. Can the family court take child support directly from my paycheck?
Yes. In Auburn and across Washington State, every child support order includes an automatic income withholding provision. This allows support payments to be deducted directly from the paying parent’s wages and forwarded to the Washington State Support Registry—without requiring an additional court hearing. This built-in mechanism helps keep payments timely and reduces the need for future enforcement.
2. What happens if someone ignores a family law court order?
When a person willfully fails to follow a family law order, such as not complying with a parenting plan or refusing to pay support, the court can find them in contempt. This legal determination can result in fines, additional court oversight, and even jail time. The court must be shown that the person had the ability to comply but chose not to.
3. Are there criminal penalties for violating a protection order?
Yes. Violating a protection order—such as a domestic violence or anti-harassment order—can result in immediate arrest and criminal charges. In Auburn, law enforcement is required to take action if they have probable cause to believe that a protection order has been violated. These cases are taken seriously and often result in jail time, probation, or expanded legal protections for the victim.
4. What enforcement tools can the court use to collect unpaid support?
Washington courts, including those serving Auburn through King County Superior Court, have strong enforcement options available. These include wage garnishment, seizing funds from bank accounts, placing liens on property, and suspending driver’s or professional licenses. These tools can be used quickly and do not require filing a new case.
5. Will the court always enforce a child support order?
Nearly always. Under Washington law, the court is required to enforce child support orders unless the parent who violated the order can show a valid reason, such as involuntary unemployment or a medical emergency. Without such a showing, the court will proceed with enforcement actions such as contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, or judgment entry.
Talk to an Auburn Family Law Attorney About Enforcing Your Court Orders
If you’re struggling to collect unpaid support, enforce a parenting plan, or hold someone accountable for violating a court order, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Washington law gives you the right to demand compliance, and the courts in King County have the authority to ensure it.
At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we represent clients in Auburn and throughout King County in contempt actions and enforcement proceedings. Whether you need to initiate legal action or defend against a contempt motion, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we provide practical advice, strategic advocacy, and clear communication to help you restore order and protect your rights.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward resolution, accountability, and peace of mind.