Enforcing Child Support & Parenting Orders in Lake County Illinois

Divorce or separation doesn’t end a parent’s responsibility to follow court-ordered agreements regarding child support, custody, and parenting time. These legal arrangements are put in place to protect your child’s well-being and ensure their financial and emotional needs are met.

But what happens when your ex fails to comply with these orders? Whether they’re refusing to pay child support or violating your parenting time agreement, you have legal options to enforce the court’s ruling and protect your child’s best interests.

Enforcing Parenting Orders & Custody Agreements

If your ex is denying you parenting time, refusing to follow custody arrangements, or interfering with your parental rights, here’s what you can do:

File a Contempt Motion

If your ex repeatedly violates the parenting order—such as refusing to return your child or denying your scheduled time—you can file a motion for contempt with the Lake County court. If the judge finds them in violation, they could face legal consequences, including restrictions on their parenting time.

Contact Law Enforcement

If your child’s safety is at risk, you can involve law enforcement to ensure their well-being. However, police may only intervene if a law is clearly being broken, so this option is typically reserved for urgent situations.

Request a Modification of Custody Orders

If your ex continually disregards the custody arrangement, you may petition the court for a modification. A judge may adjust the terms to protect your parental rights and ensure compliance.

Consider Mediation

Before escalating the matter to court, mediation may help you and your ex reach an agreement with the help of a neutral third party. This approach can save time, money, and stress while working toward a resolution that benefits your child.

Enforcing Child Support Orders in Lake County, Illinois

Unpaid child support can put you in a financially challenging position and deprive your child of necessary resources. If your ex fails to make payments, here are some enforcement actions you can take:

File a Contempt Motion

A motion for contempt notifies the court that your ex is failing to pay child support. The court can then take action to ensure payments are made and enforce penalties if they continue to violate the order.

Wage Garnishment

The court may issue an order directing your ex’s employer to deduct child support directly from their paycheck, ensuring consistent and timely payments.

Seizing Assets or Tax Refunds

If a significant amount of child support is owed, the court may seize your ex’s assets or intercept their tax refunds to cover unpaid amounts.

Placing a Lien on Property

A lien can be placed on real estate or other assets owned by your ex, preventing them from selling or transferring property until their child support debt is paid.

Take Action to Protect Your Child’s Future

Parenting and child support orders exist to ensure your child’s needs are met, and violating them has serious consequences in Illinois. If your ex is failing to comply, you don’t have to navigate this alone. A skilled family law attorney can help you enforce court orders and fight for your child’s best interests. Contact Alan Lenczycki today to explore your options and protect your rights.