When a family law court issues an order, whether it concerns child support, parenting time, custody, or spousal maintenance, both parties are legally obligated to comply. Unfortunately, not everyone honors those obligations. If one party refuses to follow the terms of a court order, Washington law provides powerful remedies to enforce compliance and hold that party accountable.
In Federal Way and across King County, two common legal strategies for compelling compliance are contempt motions and motions to enforce court orders. These legal tools allow you to take action when someone violates a court order, whether it's failing to pay child support or disregarding a parenting plan. Understanding how these remedies work can be crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring court orders are respected.
While the enforcement process can involve detailed legal procedures, the information below highlights the key statutes that apply and breaks them down in plain, accessible terms for families in Federal Way.
Key Washington Statutes That Govern Contempt and Enforcement
Washington law outlines clear processes for enforcing family law orders. The core legal authority lies in RCW 26.18.050, which governs child support enforcement. Additional enforcement powers are provided under RCW 26.09.160 (family law contempt), RCW 7.21 (civil contempt proceedings), and RCW 7.105.450 (protection order enforcement). Below are five of the most important enforcement provisions, each explained in everyday language.
“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 Federal Way, child support orders automatically include wage withholding. This means the paying parent’s employer can deduct the required amount directly from their paycheck and forward it to the Washington State Support Registry. This system is designed to ensure consistent payments and reduce the likelihood of late or missed support.
“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 Federal Way willfully ignores a court order—such as not honoring a custody arrangement or refusing to pay spousal maintenance—the court can find them in contempt. This can lead to fines, orders to comply, or in some cases, jail time. Contempt is a legal mechanism to enforce respect for family court rulings.
“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:
Violating a protection order in Federal Way is a serious offense. Law enforcement is required to arrest individuals who they have probable cause to believe violated a protection order. These violations can result in criminal charges, jail time, and expanded protective measures for the victim. The law prioritizes safety and acts swiftly in these cases.
“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 someone is more than 15 days late in paying child support or spousal maintenance, the receiving party can file for a mandatory wage assignment. Courts in Washington State can also authorize other enforcement actions like seizing bank funds, placing liens on property, or reporting delinquencies to credit bureaus—making it easier to recover what’s owed.
“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 provision makes enforcement mandatory in most cases. If someone fails to comply with a support order, the court must act—unless the noncompliant party proves a valid reason for the violation, such as a medical emergency or job loss. Otherwise, enforcement measures such as contempt actions and wage garnishment will proceed.
All Family Law Matters in Federal Way Are Heard in King County Superior Court
If you're dealing with a court order violation in Federal Way, your case will be handled by the King County Superior Court. Whether you need to enforce a child support order, compel compliance with a parenting plan, or respond to a contempt motion, having an experienced family law attorney on your side can make all the difference.
1. Can the King County family court take child support directly from my paycheck?
Yes. In Federal Way and across Washington State, every child support order includes an automatic wage withholding provision. This means that the support amount can be taken directly from the paying parent's paycheck and sent to the Washington State Support Registry. No additional court appearance is required. This system helps ensure payments are made consistently and reduces the need for enforcement actions. Learn more: Wage Withholding
2. What happens if a person ignores a family law court order?
If someone willfully disobeys a family law order—such as refusing to pay support, skipping scheduled visitation, or ignoring a parenting plan—the court may hold them in contempt. A contempt finding can carry serious consequences, including court-ordered penalties, forced compliance, or even jail time in extreme cases. The court must determine that the person had the ability to comply but chose not to.
Learn more: Contempt in Family Law Cases
3. Are there criminal penalties for violating a protection order in Federal Way?
Yes. Violating a protection order—such as a domestic violence or anti-harassment order—is not just a civil matter. In Federal Way, law enforcement is required to arrest anyone they have probable cause to believe has violated a protection order. These violations can result in criminal charges, jail time, probation, and enhanced protective measures.
Learn more: Protection Order Resources
4. What can the court do to enforce financial obligations?
Washington courts, including those serving Federal Way through King County Superior Court, have multiple enforcement tools at their disposal. 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 without starting a new legal case, making enforcement both accessible and effective.
Learn more: Enforcement Tools
5. Will the superior court always enforce a child support order if it’s violated?
In most cases, yes. If a parent violates a child support order, the court is legally required to take action unless the parent can prove a valid reason, such as serious illness or job loss. If no such excuse exists, the court will move forward with enforcement options, including garnishment, contempt proceedings, or entry of a judgment.
Learn more: Enforcing Court Orders
Talk to a Federal Way Family Law Attorney About Enforcing Your Court Orders
If you're dealing with unpaid support, a parenting plan violation, or any other refusal to comply with a court order, you don’t have to handle it alone. Washington law gives you the right to seek enforcement, and King County courts have the power to act.
At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we represent individuals and families in Federal Way and throughout King County in all matters involving contempt and court order enforcement. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our team is committed to protecting your rights and securing compliance with the court’s orders.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the next step toward resolution and accountability.