Enforce a Florida Family Court Order

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When the other parent ignores a Florida family court order, the main court remedy is a motion for civil contempt or enforcement, filed in the same circuit court case that issued the order. The official form is 12.960.

For unpaid child support specifically, the Florida Department of Revenue can also enforce administratively through income withholding, tax refund offsets, license suspension, and other tools, without you filing a court motion yourself.

Official Florida enforcement resources

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Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement, form 12.960 (Florida State Courts System): The official motion asking the court to hold the other party in contempt or enforce the order. https://www.flcourts.gov/content/download/685932/file_pdf/12.960.pdf

Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program (Florida Department of Revenue): The state agency that enforces support orders administratively, including income withholding and license suspension. https://floridarevenue.com/childsupport/

Florida Family Law Forms (official index) (Florida State Courts System): The complete, current collection of Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms with instructions. When in doubt, start here. https://flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Law-Forms-Self-Help-Information

Florida courts family law self-help information (Florida State Courts System): Official self-help information for Florida family cases, including where to find help in your county. https://www.flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Court-Improvement/Family-Courts/Family-Law-Self-Help-Information

Frequently asked questions

What can the court do if time-sharing is being denied?

Florida courts can order make-up time-sharing, impose costs, require parenting courses, and in serious cases modify the parenting plan. The request usually starts with the civil contempt and enforcement motion.

Do I need a lawyer to file the enforcement motion?

The 12.960 form is published for self-represented parents and many file it themselves. Enforcement hearings can carry real consequences, so consider at least a consultation when the stakes are high.