Understanding Contempt Motions and Court Order Enforcement in Bellevue, Washington

When a Washington court issues a family law order—whether related to child support, custody, visitation, or spousal maintenance—it carries the full force of the law. Both parties are expected to follow it. But when one side refuses to comply, the legal system offers clear and enforceable remedies to hold that party accountable.

In Bellevue and throughout King County, the most effective enforcement options are contempt motions and motions to enforce court orders. These legal tools are designed to ensure compliance with court mandates—whether you need to collect unpaid support, enforce parenting time, or seek consequences for repeated violations. Understanding how these enforcement actions work is key to protecting your rights and your family’s stability.

The process can be technical, and enforcement proceedings vary by case. That’s why working with an experienced Bellevue family law attorney is always recommended. The information below outlines some of Washington’s most important enforcement statutes—explained in simple, accessible language.

Important Washington Statutes Governing Contempt and Enforcement
Washington’s legal framework for enforcing family law orders is built around several key statutes. The most critical are RCW 26.18.010 through RCW 26.18.050, which focus on child support and related obligations. Additional authority is provided by RCW 26.09.160 (family law contempt), RCW 7.21 (civil contempt), and RCW 7.105.450 (domestic violence protection order enforcement). Below are five essential provisions, each followed by a plain-language 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 Bellevue, all child support orders automatically include a wage withholding provision. This allows the support amount to be taken directly from the paying party’s paycheck and sent to the Washington State Support Registry. This built-in system is designed to prevent missed payments and reduce the need for repeated court involvement.

“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:
When someone willfully ignores a family law order—like refusing to comply with a parenting plan or spousal support obligation—the court can hold that person in contempt. A contempt finding may lead to fines, mandatory compliance efforts, or even jail time in more serious or repeated cases. It’s a formal legal response to intentional disobedience.

“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 domestic violence protection order is a criminal offense in Bellevue. Law enforcement is required to arrest the violating party if probable cause exists. These cases go beyond civil enforcement and can lead to jail, probation, and expanded restrictions. Washington courts treat these violations with the utmost seriousness to protect victims and prevent further harm.

“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 maintenance, the other party can request a wage assignment. Courts in King County may also authorize other enforcement tools such as garnishing bank accounts, placing liens on property, or notifying credit bureaus. These measures help enforce financial obligations efficiently and without delay.

“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 statute gives courts no discretion when orders are violated—unless the noncompliant party can prove a valid excuse, such as involuntary unemployment or a medical emergency. Otherwise, the court must act. This could include initiating contempt proceedings, garnishment, or judgments to recover the owed support or enforce compliance.

All Family Law Cases in Bellevue Are Handled by King County Superior Court
If you live in Bellevue and need to enforce a family court order—or defend against a contempt motion—your case will be heard in the King County Superior Court system. These cases can have serious financial and legal consequences. That’s why it’s critical to work with an attorney who understands the law, the court’s procedures, and how to protect your interests effectively

1. Can the family court take child support directly from my paycheck?
Yes. In Bellevue and across Washington State, all child support orders come with an automatic wage withholding provision. This means the support amount can be directly deducted from the paying parent’s paycheck and sent to the Washington State Support Registry—no additional court hearing needed. It’s designed to streamline the process and reduce the chance of missed payments.
Topical link: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services – Wage Withholding

2. What happens if someone ignores a family law court order?
When someone intentionally violates a family law court order—such as refusing to pay child support, ignoring parenting time, or failing to follow a custody arrangement—they can be held in contempt of court. This legal determination may result in fines, enforcement actions, or in some cases, jail time. The court must determine that the person could have complied but willfully chose not to.
Topical link: Washington LawHelp – Contempt in Family Law Cases

3. Are there criminal penalties for violating a protection order?
Yes. Violating a domestic violence or anti-harassment protection order can result in immediate arrest and criminal prosecution. In Bellevue, law enforcement must act if they have probable cause to believe a protection order was violated. The consequences may include jail time, probation, and further court-imposed restrictions to protect the victim.
Topical link: Washington Courts – Protection Order Resources

4. What can the court do to enforce unpaid support or other obligations?
Courts serving Bellevue have multiple enforcement tools at their disposal. These include wage garnishment, seizure of bank accounts, property liens, and even suspension of driver’s or professional licenses. These actions can be initiated quickly and do not require a new lawsuit, making them efficient tools to compel compliance.
Topical link: DSHS Division of Child Support – Enforcement Tools

5. Will the court always enforce a child support order if it’s violated?
Almost always. If a parent fails to comply with a child support order and cannot show a valid reason—such as serious illness or involuntary loss of employment—the court is required to take enforcement action. This may include contempt proceedings, garnishment, or other legal remedies to recover what is owed.
Topical link: Washington LawHelp – Enforcing Court Orders

Talk to a Bellevue Family Law Attorney About Enforcing Your Court Orders
Whether you need to collect back child support, enforce a parenting plan, or respond to someone who’s violating a court order, you don’t have to face it alone. Washington law gives you the right to enforce your court orders, and the courts in King County have the legal authority to make sure they’re followed.

At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we represent individuals in Bellevue and throughout King County in contempt proceedings and enforcement actions. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we provide practical advice, focused representation, and strong advocacy to protect your interests.

Schedule your free consultation today and let our team help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Are you dealing with an ex-spouse who refuses to pay court-ordered alimony or child support in the state of Washington? If so, then you undoubtedly understand the financial burden that this type of irresponsible behavior can cause.

Washington State law allows you to take legal action against someone that defaults on support by filing a contempt of court motion. The Bellevue contempt motion attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe can help you take steps toward resolving this burdensome situation. With over 30 years of collective experience in Washington, our Bellevue contempt lawyers can help you file a motion in court designed to help get you the support you're entitled to, according to the law. Children of parents that refuse to follow a support order are often adversely affected by their behavior, but our Bellevue contempt motion attorneys can help you take steps to defend their legal rights.

When your divorce is finalized, you're want to move forward with your life without any more unnecessary aggravation. If problems arise because your ex-spouse refuses to pay court-ordered support, our Bellevue divorce enforcement attorneys will file a motion intended to quickly solve this problem.

If an ex-spouse refuses to honor a court order issued by a Washington judge, it is called contempt of court. If they fail to render court-ordered support or neglect their child visitation responsibilities, our Bellevue divorce lawyers can step in and file a motion in court intended to rectify their behavior.

There are sometimes honest reasons why someone may fall behind on support responsibilities, but if the problem becomes routine our Bellevue contempt motion attorneys can petition the court for assistance.

Punishments for a contempt of court conviction should not be underestimated, and often result in fines and jail time. The court may also incur other fees against the negligent party, such as your Bellevue divorce lawyer's expenses, and court costs.

Failure to pay child support is the most common form of contempt of court. If your ex-spouse refuses to pay child support, you should talk to one of our Bellevue divorce enforcement attorneys immediately to ensure your child's financial needs are being met. It's important to keep accurate records of your ex-spouse’s support payments, or lack thereof, so that our Bellevue contempt motion attorneys can use this information to act swiftly and decisively.

The irresponsible actions of an ex-spouse shouldn't cause you or your children to suffer financial difficulty. Talk to one of our Bellevue divorce enforcement attorneys today and find out whether filing a motion in family law court is possible. Our free consultation offer allows you to get answers specific to your Bellevue contempt case confidentially, and without any risk.

Reach out to one of our Bellevue divorce lawyers today and find out if a court motion is the best way to protect your financial future.