Legal Aid attorneys often encounter child support, possession/access, or property order enforcement issues, even when grant restrictions prevent them from handling the enforcement itself. Understanding the basics is essential for giving sound legal advice. This session provides a streamlined overview of enforcement and contempt from the perspectives of the movant, respondent, and judge. Topics include drafting clear orders, pleading willful violations, proper service, and knowing when clarification is required. The panel will also cover key defensive strategies—service defects, affirmative defenses, verified denials, special exceptions, directed verdicts, and double jeopardy issues. Judges will conclude with practical guidance on presenting and defending enforcement actions and discuss alternatives when an order cannot be enforced.
