Enforcing Orders
When a former spouse fails to comply with a court order or the terms of a private separation agreement that has been incorporated into a court order (such as a divorce decree or custody order), the other spouse may ask the court for help in gaining compliance.
Read the Law: Md. Code, Family Law § 8-213
The court may exercise its jurisdiction over the former spouse who has not abided by the order if:
- he or she lives within the state;
- if he or she lives in a state in the United States that has a reciprocal agreement with Maryland; or,
- in the case of enforcing a monetary agreement, if he or she owns property within the state (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, a business, or stocks and bonds).
Read the law: Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, Title 6, Subtitle 1
If the ex-spouse is not a resident of Maryland, the court may exercise its jurisdiction if the ex-spouse is served in accordance with the Maryland Rules AND:
- Maryland was the matrimonial domicile of the parties before their separation; OR
- the obligation to pay the child support, spousal support, or attorneys fees arose under Maryland laws or under an agreement executed by one of the parties in Maryland.
Read the Law: Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceeding § 6-103.1
The Court’s Contempt and Imprisonment Powers
The Maryland courts generally require strict compliance with a decree for child and/or spousal support. If a parent or spouse ordered to pay support does not adhere to the terms of the decree, he or she can be found in contempt of court. The court’s contempt powers include imprisonment if the nonpaying spouse has the ability to pay the amount and fails to do so. This is an exception to the general rule that a person cannot be imprisoned for debt.
The State’s Attorney can also criminally prosecute intentional failure to pay child support cases. However, in both the contempt and criminal prosecution cases, where a real inability to pay can be shown, jail will probably not result.
Custody and visitation orders can also be enforced through the court’s contempt powers. An unjustifiable denial or interference with court-ordered custody or visitation can result in the court ordering make-up time or modification of the existing order to ensure future compliance. The court can also assess attorneys fees and costs against the offending party.
Read the law: Md. Code, Family Law § 11-110
Maryland’s Mandatory Earnings Withholding Statute
Child and spousal support orders are subject to Maryland’s mandatory earnings withholding statute. The law requires that the payor parent’s employer withhold from the payor parent’s paycheck a court ordered amount. That amount is forwarded to the child support recipient either directly or through the child support agency.
The law is intended to assist an individual who wishes to pursue support enforcement without an attorney or with the assistance of the Child Support Enforcement Administration. It places on the courts many responsibilities usually performed by attorneys. Sample forms should be available at the clerk’s office in every county and Baltimore City.
Read the Law: Md. Code, Family Law Title 10, Subtitle 1, Part III
If a parent leaves the state to avoid paying child support, and a child support order has been established, that order can be enforced through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). If there is no child support order, child support can be established through UIFSA. UIFSA actions can be handled through the Maryland child support agency in your county.
Read the Law: Md. Code Family Law Title 10, Subtitle 3
Enforcing a Divorce Judgment Mandating Action
In divorce cases, it is typical that the judgment of divorce requires a party to take some action. This can include transferring a portion of a retirement account to the other party, transferring ownership of a house, or transferring the title of a vehicle. If your ex-spouse refuses to transfer the property pursuant to the judgment, there are at least 3 ways to enforce the judgment.
- You may file a contempt action to compel the non-complying party to comply with the judgment.
- You may file a petition for the court to appoint a third-party to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the transfer at the expense of the non-complying party.
- If your ex-spouse still has possession of the property, the court can seize the property to compel compliance with the judgment.
If the divorce judgment required the payment of money, the court can enter a judgment against the non-paying party. When the court has ordered child support, alimony, attorney's fees, or a monetary award, the property of the non-paying spouse or parent may be seized or sequestered.
Read the rule: Md. Rule 2-648(a); Rule 9-210(b)