When a court issues an order in a family law case, whether it concerns child support, spousal maintenance, parenting time, or custody, it’s not a suggestion. Both parties are legally required to comply. But what happens when one party refuses to follow the court’s instructions?
In Tacoma and throughout Pierce County, Washington law provides two key enforcement tools: contempt motions and motions to enforce court orders. These legal actions allow individuals to pursue unpaid support, enforce parenting plans, or compel compliance with other binding court orders. They are vital tools for ensuring fairness and accountability when someone chooses to ignore the law.
While every case is unique, and court procedures may vary, the framework for enforcement is built on several core Washington statutes. Below, we outline the most important ones and explain them in clear terms so you can take informed action.
Important Washington Statutes Governing Contempt and Enforcement
Washington’s enforcement laws are designed to ensure family law orders are not just words on paper—they are enforceable mandates. The most relevant laws appear in RCW 26.18.010 through RCW 26.18.050, which deal with child support and financial obligations. Additional enforcement authority comes from RCW 26.09.160 (contempt for noncompliance in domestic cases), RCW 7.21 (civil contempt), and RCW 7.105.450, which applies to protection orders. Below are five key tools and how they work.
“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 Tacoma, all child support orders include a provision for automatic wage withholding. That means support payments can be taken directly from the paying parent’s paycheck and sent to the Washington State Support Registry—without additional court action. This streamlines enforcement and ensures timely payments.
“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 someone in Pierce County willfully violates a court order—such as refusing to follow a parenting plan or skipping support payments—the court may hold them in contempt. Penalties for contempt can include fines, mandatory corrective actions, or even jail time in egregious 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:
Protection orders are taken very seriously in Tacoma. If someone violates a domestic violence or anti-harassment order, law enforcement must arrest them if there’s probable cause. Violators may face criminal prosecution, jail, and expanded restrictions to safeguard the protected person.
“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:
If support payments are more than 15 days late, the court can issue a mandatory wage assignment. Beyond that, the court can authorize bank account seizures, property liens, and credit reporting. These enforcement tools are designed to recover overdue support without constant return trips to court.
“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:
This is one of Washington’s strongest enforcement provisions. If someone doesn’t comply with a support or maintenance order, the court must take enforcement action—unless that person can prove a valid excuse like a serious illness or involuntary job loss. Otherwise, the court will proceed with contempt or collection measures.
All Family Law Cases in Tacoma Are Handled by Pierce County Superior Court
If you're dealing with a court order violation in Tacoma—whether involving unpaid support, a parenting plan conflict, or a defied protection order—your case will be heard in Pierce County Superior Court. These matters can be emotionally and financially draining. That’s why it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable Tacoma family law attorney who can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you secure the enforcement you need.
1. Can the Pierce County family court take child support directly from my paycheck?
Yes. In Tacoma and across Washington State, child support orders automatically include a wage withholding provision. This allows the amount owed to be deducted from the paying parent’s paycheck and forwarded to the Washington State Support Registry—no additional hearing needed. This system is designed to reduce missed payments and simplify enforcement.
Expand your knowledge: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services – Wage Withholding
2. What happens if someone ignores a family law court order in Tacoma?
When a person willfully violates a family court order—whether it's for child support, parenting time, or custody—the court can hold them in contempt. A finding of contempt may result in penalties such as fines, compliance orders, or jail time in serious or repeat cases. The court must be shown that the individual had the ability to comply but chose not to.
Expand your knowledge: Washington LawHelp – Contempt in Family Law Cases
3. Are there criminal penalties for violating a Tacoma protection order?
Yes. If someone violates a domestic violence or anti-harassment protection order in Tacoma, law enforcement is required to act. Officers may arrest the violator without a warrant if there is probable cause to believe the order was broken. These violations are criminal offenses and can lead to prosecution, jail time, or stricter protections for the victim.
Expand your knowledge: Washington Courts – Protection Order Resources
4. What can the Pierce County court do to enforce unpaid support or other obligations?
Courts in Pierce County have strong enforcement mechanisms at their disposal. These include garnishing wages, freezing bank accounts, placing liens on property, and even suspending driver’s or professional licenses. These tools allow courts to recover unpaid support or force compliance without requiring a new case filing.
Expand your knowledge: DSHS Division of Child Support – Enforcement Tools
5. Will the Washington courts always enforce a child support order if it’s violated?
In almost every instance, yes. Under Washington law, the court must act when someone fails to comply with a child support order—unless that person can prove a legitimate reason, such as a medical emergency or involuntary job loss. If no valid excuse exists, the court will proceed with enforcement through garnishment, contempt, or judgment collection.
Expand your knowledge: Washington LawHelp – Enforcing Court Orders
Talk to a Tacoma Family Law Attorney About Enforcing Your Court Orders
Whether you're trying to collect overdue child support, enforce a parenting plan, or respond to a former partner who refuses to follow a court order, you don’t have to face it alone. Washington law gives you the right to seek enforcement, and the courts in Pierce County have the authority to make sure those orders are honored.
At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we represent clients throughout Tacoma and Pierce County in family law enforcement matters. From contempt actions to wage garnishment and judgment enforcement, our legal team brings over 50 years of combined experience to every case. We provide focused representation, strategic counsel, and a clear path toward resolution.
Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you move forward with strength and clarity
Is Your Ex-Spouse Out of Compliance? Our Tacoma Contempt of Court Lawyers Can HelpWhether you’re going through a divorce or have already completed the process, nothing is more frustrating than an ex-spouse refusing to comply with the court’s decisions. There is already enough stress and worry when going through a divorce without having to lose sleep over visitation issues, alimony, or child support.
Our Tacoma contempt motion attorneys specialize in situations where an ex-spouse is out of compliance with divorce enforcement orders. In fact, our Tacoma contempt lawyers have decades of combined experience handling these sensitive issues, and can help you understand and protect your legal rights. This is important because divorce enforcement issues often affect children the hardest, especially when an ex ignores their court-ordered responsibility to pay child support.
When the divorce is finally over, the last thing you want are problems that continue to arise. Unfortunately, sometimes it can’t be avoided, and you need help from qualified Tacoma divorce enforcement attorneys.
Can I File a Motion? Our Contempt Lawyers in Tacoma ExplainIf the court issues an order that is summarily ignored, the offending party may be considered to be in “contempt of court.” If you are the victim of another person’s unwillingness to comply with a court order you can seek redress with help from a Tacoma divorce lawyer who can help you with its enforcement.
Every divorce enforcement circumstance is different, and there are sometimes valid reasons why a person can’t comply with a court order, but if the violations become commonplace then our Tacoma contempt motion attorneys can file on your behalf.
If your ex-spouse is found guilty of contempt they could be punished in a variety of ways including fines or even imprisonment for egregious offenders. They could also be liable for fees associated with your Tacoma divorce lawyer and court costs.
One of the most common varieties of contempt revolves around failure to pay child support. If this has happened to you, you should talk to one of our Tacoma divorce enforcement attorneys about your options for filing a contempt motion. You should always keep up to date information about your situation because it is crucial toward success, so be prepared to share this information with one of our Tacoma contempt motion attorneys.
Contact Our Tacoma Contempt of Court Lawyers for a Free ConsultationWe understand that after a divorce most people just want to move forward with their lives. When an ex-spouse fails to live up to their court ordered responsibilities it can cause undue hardship on you and your children. With help from one of our Tacoma divorce enforcement attorneys you can take positive action toward resolving the situation.
You can start getting some answers today by contacting a Tacoma divorce lawyer for a free consultation. There is no risk and no monetary obligation, but you will still get quality legal advice from professional attorneys with real-world experience. Contact us today and find out if a contempt motion might work for you.