Understanding Contempt Motions and Court Order Enforcement in Seattle and King County

When a court issues an order in a family law case—whether it involves child support, visitation, custody, or spousal maintenance—both parties are legally obligated to comply. Unfortunately, compliance doesn’t always happen voluntarily. If one party refuses to follow the terms of a court order, Washington law offers legal remedies to enforce those obligations and hold the noncompliant party accountable.

In Seattle and throughout King County, two primary legal tools are used to ensure compliance: contempt motions and motions to enforce court orders. These actions empower individuals to compel obedience, recover unpaid support, or seek consequences when a party acts in defiance of a lawful order. Whether you’re trying to collect back child support or enforce the terms of a parenting plan, understanding these legal tools is critical to protecting your rights and your family’s well-being.

The law in this area can be complex, and court procedures vary. Speaking with an experienced Seattle family law attorney can help you understand your best options. That said, the following overview highlights some of the most important Washington statutes and explains them in plain English so you can take the first step with confidence.

Important Washington Statutes Governing Contempt and Enforcement
Washington’s laws provide a strong foundation for ensuring family court orders are followed. The most critical statutory provisions fall under RCW 26.18.010 through RCW 26.18.050, which deal specifically with the enforcement of child support and related obligations. Additional authority comes from RCW 26.09.160 (family law contempt), RCW 7.21 (civil contempt procedures), and RCW 7.105.450, which governs enforcement of domestic violence protection orders. Below are five of the most important enforcement tools under Washington law, each explained in straightforward terms.

“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:
Every child support order in Washington includes a built-in wage withholding mechanism. This allows payments to be taken directly from the paying parent’s paycheck and forwarded to the Washington State Support Registry. It eliminates the need to return to court to address missed payments and helps ensure that support is received on time.

“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 intentionally disobeys a family law order—like failing to follow a parenting plan or ignoring a spousal maintenance obligation—the court can hold them in contempt. This is a serious finding that may result in fines, forced compliance through court supervision, or even jail time in extreme 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:
Violating a protection order in Washington carries immediate and serious consequences. Law enforcement is required to make an arrest if they have probable cause to believe the order was violated. This goes beyond civil enforcement—violations can result in criminal prosecution, jail time, and expanded restrictions to protect the victim.

“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 late with child support or spousal maintenance by more than 15 days, the receiving party can request a mandatory wage assignment. This isn’t the only remedy—courts may also authorize bank account seizures, liens against property, or credit reporting to compel compliance. These tools make it easier to collect without having to keep going back 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 statute puts teeth into enforcement. If a parent or former spouse fails to follow a support or maintenance order, the court is required to act—unless that person can prove a valid reason, like a medical emergency or job loss. Without such proof, the court will proceed with enforcement through wage garnishment, judgment, or contempt proceedings.

All family law issues within Seattle are handled by the King County Superior Court. When dealing with these serious issues, it’s always a good idea to seek counsel and representation from an experienced lawyer.

1. Can the family court take child support directly from my paycheck?
Yes. In Seattle and throughout Washington State, every child support order includes a built-in wage withholding provision. This means the support amount can be automatically deducted from the paying parent’s paycheck and forwarded to the Washington State Support Registry—no extra court hearing required. This process helps prevent missed payments and reduces the need for enforcement actions.
More information: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services – Wage Withholding

2. What happens if someone ignores a family law court order?
When a person willfully violates a family law order—such as failing to pay support, ignoring a visitation schedule, or disobeying a parenting plan—they can be found in contempt of court. This legal finding can lead to court-imposed penalties, including fines, payment enforcement measures, and in some cases, jail time. The court must determine that the person had the ability to comply but chose not to.
More information: Washington LawHelp – Contempt in Family Law Cases

3. Are there criminal penalties for violating a protection order?
Yes. If someone violates a protection order—such as a domestic violence or anti-harassment order—they may be subject to immediate arrest and criminal prosecution. These violations are not just civil matters. In Seattle, law enforcement is required to act swiftly to protect the safety of victims. Violators may face jail time, probation, and other consequences.
More information: Washington Courts – Protection Order Resources

4. What can the court do to enforce unpaid support or other obligations?
Washington courts, including those in King County, have strong enforcement tools to compel compliance. These include wage garnishment, bank account seizures, property liens, and even license suspensions. If someone is behind on child support or refuses to meet other court-ordered obligations, these remedies can be used without having to initiate a new legal case.
More information: DSHS Division of Child Support – Enforcement Tools

5. Will the court always enforce a child support order if it’s violated?
In nearly all cases, yes. Washington law requires the court to take action when a parent fails to follow a child support order—unless that parent can prove a valid reason, such as serious illness or involuntary unemployment. Otherwise, enforcement is not optional. The court may initiate garnishment, judgment, or contempt proceedings to ensure the obligation is met.
More information: Washington LawHelp – Enforcing Court Orders

Talk to a Seattle 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 party refusing 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 have the authority to make sure that orders are followed.

At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we represent individuals across Seattle and King County in contempt actions and court order enforcement matters. With over 50 years of combined experience, our legal team offers trusted counsel, strategic solutions, and firm advocacy to protect your rights and restore compliance.

Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you take the next step toward resolution and peace of mind.

Are you currently dealing with an ex-spouse that is refusing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony? If so, then you are undoubtedly experiencing the financial burden that this type of irresponsible behavior can create.

Washington law provides measures by which you can take action in the form of a contempt of court motion. Our Seattle contempt motion attorneys can help you better understand this task and help you take the first steps toward seeking a resolution. With over three decades of combined experience, our Seattle contempt lawyers can help you file a motion in court that is designed to help get you the support you're entitled to. Unfortunately, children are often the ones most affected by a negligent parent who refuses to adhere to an order of support, but our Seattle contempt motion attorneys can help you take steps to protect their interests.

When you complete the divorce process, you fully expect to be able to move forward with your life without further headaches and aggravation. However, if problems arise because of your ex-spouse’s negligence, our Seattle divorce enforcement attorneys will file a motion that will hopefully help lead to a positive resolution.

When a person refuses to cooperate with a court order issued by a judge, it is commonly called contempt of court. If spouse fails to render court ordered support, or even fails to fulfill their child visitation responsibilities, our Seattle divorce lawyers can step in and file a motion with the court on your behalf. While there are sometimes circumstances that cause a person to fall behind on their support responsibilities, if the problem becomes commonplace our Seattle contempt motion attorneys have sound legal footing to take positive action on your behalf.

The punishments for a contempt of court conviction are severe, and could even result in fines and time in jail. The responsible party may also be held accountable for other fees, such as court costs and your Seattle divorce lawyer expenses.

Failure to pay child support is the most common variety of contempt of court that a parent may face. If your ex-spouse is refusing to pay child support then you need to talk to one of our Seattle divorce enforcement attorneys to make sure that the well-being of your children is being addressed. You should take steps to keep accurate records of your ex-spouse’s support payments, or any payments they've missed, so that when a motion in court is made on your behalf our Seattle contempt motion attorneys can act swiftly.

The negligence of an ex-spouse should never cause you or your family to suffer adversity or hardship. Find out whether filing a motion in court is possible by talking to one of our Seattle divorce enforcement attorneys today, without cost or obligation. Our free consultation offer is a chance for you to get some answers specific to your Seattle contempt case so that you can make an informed decision regarding your future.

Contact one of our Seattle divorce lawyers today and find out if a motion in Washington Court is the best way to protect your family's financial future.