You Have a Divorce Decree. Now What?
The judge signed off on the divorce. The paperwork is final. You’ve worked hard to move on with your life, only now, your ex isn’t doing what the court ordered.
Whether it’s unpaid child support, denied parenting time, refusal to sell property, or outright defiance, many people ask the same question:
“What can I do when my ex does not comply with my divorce decree?”
In Missouri, your divorce decree is a court order, and violating it is not just frustrating—it’s a contempt of court. At Raza Family Law Solutions in St. Louis, we help clients take strategic legal action to enforce what’s rightfully theirs. Below, we’ll break down your options and what steps you should take if your ex won’t cooperate.
What is a Divorce Decree?
Your divorce decree (also called a “judgment of dissolution”) is the final order issued by the family court. It spells out the terms of your divorce, including:
- Division of marital property and debt
- Child custody and parenting schedules
- Child support or spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Rules for selling or refinancing assets
- Any special terms both parties agreed to
Once the court signs it, both you and your ex are legally obligated to follow it. If either of you violates it, the other party has every right to ask the court to step in.
Common Ways People Violate Divorce Decrees
If you’re dealing with an ex who won’t comply, you’re not alone. Some of the most frequent post-divorce violations we see include:
- Failing to pay child support or spousal support
- Refusing to turn over property (cars, furniture, or bank accounts)
- Withholding or interfering with parenting time
- Not refinancing a home as ordered
- Failing to pay shared debts
- Ignoring requirements for selling a home or dividing retirement assets
- Badmouthing the other parent in front of the kids (in violation of a parenting clause)
Regardless of the issue, you have options when your ex does not comply with your divorce decree in Missouri.
Step 1: Document Everything
Before you take legal action, make sure you have a clear paper trail. Judges don’t want to hear vague complaints—they want specific evidence.
Keep records of:
- Missed or partial support payments
- Texts or emails about missed custody exchanges
- Bank records or account statements
- Calendar logs of parenting time violations
- Letters or emails showing refusal to comply with court-ordered asset transfers
This evidence will be crucial in court if you file a motion to enforce or hold your ex in contempt.
Step 2: Talk to Your Attorney (or Hire One)
Divorce enforcement can be complicated. Don’t go it alone—even if you’ve represented yourself up to this point.
At Raza Family Law Solutions, we help clients:
- Review the terms of their divorce decree
- Determine which court orders are being violated
- Draft legal motions to enforce the order
- Gather supporting evidence
- Represent them at hearings
Trying to “wing it” or argue with your ex usually leads to more frustration. Having an experienced Missouri family lawyer makes it more likely the court will take your concerns seriously.
Step 3: Enforce the Divorce Decree
If informal reminders haven’t worked, it’s time to go back to court.
Motion for Contempt
You can file a Motion for Contempt asking the court to hold your ex accountable for violating the divorce decree. If the judge agrees, your ex may face:
- Fines
- Attorney’s fees (paid to you)
- Wage garnishment for unpaid support
- Jail time in extreme or repeated cases
In most cases, the goal isn’t punishment—it’s compliance. The court wants your ex to follow the order moving forward, and contempt proceedings are a powerful motivator.
Administrative Income Withholding Under Missouri Law
Missouri law allows for immediate or modified income withholding on most child support and spousal support orders. Under RSMo § 452.350 and related statutes, an income withholding order can be sent directly to the paying party’s employer. This order requires the employer to deduct support directly from wages and send it to the Family Support Payment Center.
If your ex falls behind, you can request that the court or the state initiate or modify income withholding so that future payments are automatically collected without relying on voluntary compliance.
Wage Garnishment for Past‑Due Support
In addition to income withholding, Missouri law permits wage garnishment for past‑due support obligations. Under RSMo § 525.030 and related rules, you may request a garnishment order through the court, directing an employer or other source of income to divert funds toward the arrears. This remedy is particularly useful when significant back payments have accumulated.
Step 4: Know What the Court Can—and Can’t—Do
Family court judges in Missouri have wide authority to enforce divorce orders, but they can’t read minds. They won’t act unless you file a formal motion and present strong evidence.
That said, the court can:
- Modify support or custody orders if circumstances warrant
- Order law enforcement to assist with property transfers
- Award you attorney’s fees if your ex’s behavior was in bad faith
But the court cannot:
- Revisit or relitigate issues already decided (unless formally appealed or modified)
- Force emotional closure or “make your ex be nice”
- Intervene in vague agreements—another reason precise language in your decree matters
What If Your Ex Lives in Another State?
Even if your ex has moved out of Missouri, your Missouri divorce decree still applies. If they’re violating it from out of state, your attorney can use the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) or Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) to help enforce orders across state lines.
The court may coordinate with their local authorities to:
- Collect back child support
- Enforce custody exchanges
- Serve legal papers
- Hold them in contempt remotely or order them to appear in Missouri
What If Your Ex Keeps Violating the Order Repeatedly?
If your ex continues to violate the decree even after being held in contempt, you may be able to:
- Request a modification (e.g., change custody or support based on ongoing violations)
- Ask for supervised visitation if your ex is endangering the child’s emotional or physical well-being
- Pursue civil judgments for financial harm
- Seek criminal charges in cases involving willful non-payment of child support (e.g., felony nonsupport)
Persistent, willful noncompliance is not only illegal—it’s a clear sign that the current arrangement isn’t working. A judge will take repeated violations seriously.
Don’t Tolerate Ongoing Violations—Take Action Today
The law is on your side when your ex does not comply with your divorce decree, but you have to take the first step.
At Raza Family Law Solutions in St. Louis, we don’t just handle divorce—we help you enforce the terms long after the ink is dry. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid support, parenting disputes, or asset division issues, our team is here to help you hold your ex accountable and restore peace of mind.
Your Divorce Decree Is Not a Suggestion—It’s the Law
When your ex refuses to follow the divorce decree, they’re not just being difficult—they’re violating a court order. That has consequences. But those consequences won’t happen unless you act.
Start with documentation. Talk to a lawyer. File the right motion. Get the court involved.
The sooner you act, the sooner you can stop chasing down what you’re already legally entitled to.
Need help? Schedule a confidential consultation with Raza Family Law Solutions today.