Post-Divorce Issues Such as Contempt Actions

Different people experience different things when they go though a divorce action in Oklahoma. Just how difficult the proceeding will be depends in large part on the attitudes of the parties involved. If they have no particular ax to grind and simply want to be fair and cooperative while working on the terms of an uncontested divorce it can be pretty smooth sailing.

On the other hand, if the former partners choose to play out their animosity through the proceeding or honestly disagree about what is fair with regard to the terms it can be a rocky road indeed.

Under either type of scenario most people are going to welcome the sense of closure that accompanies the day when the divorce becomes final. However, it is important not to let your guard down entirely because there are post divorce issues that often arise, and one of them is the failure to pay child support.

We have all heard the term “deadbeat dads,” and the public as a whole is generally aware of the fact that there are those out there who fail to pay court ordered child support. What is not as universally understood is the epidemic nature of this problem. Of all of the child support payments that are ordered in the United States, just half of them are paid on time and in full. One-quarter of them are not paid in full, and in another 25% of the cases not a single cent has been paid.

One recourse that is available to you if you are a parent who is not receiving court ordered child support payments is to file a contempt action. The term “court ordered” is operative here. When an obligor chooses not to pay child support he or she is in contempt of court. The filing of a contempt action can force the remiss party to face the court. The threat of jail time can often motivate a delinquent obligor to bring his or her arrears current.

If you are in need of legal advice regarding post divorce issues such as contempt actions, contact a Lawton OK family attorney to arrange for a free consultation.