Identifying Subtle Decree Violations After Your Divorce

 Posted on July 22, 2025 in Divorce

A divorce decree is legally binding. Once you and your ex finalize the end of your marriage, you are both expected to obey the terms set by the judge. However, if your ex-spouse fails to honor these terms, knowingly or unknowingly, you may have to take legal action to uphold your rights. A Harris County, TX family law attorney can advise you of your options and help you pursue the best path forward.

At The Cusic Law Firm, P.C., we have experience mediating issues between divorced couples. We are also prepared to help you go to court to enforce the terms of your divorce, including orders of child custody, spousal support, and property division.

Three Common Divorce Decree Violations

Repeat Violations of Custody Orders

Co-parenting can sometimes feel like a delicate balancing act. Mistakes happen, and sometimes, parents cannot honor their regular pick-up or drop-off times. However, when an isolated incident becomes a pattern of violations, you may have to address the issue directly.

If you suspect that your co-parent is intentionally withholding parenting time, you can petition a judge to enforce the existing custody order. You should document evidence showing when your right to custody was violated, such as phone calls or text messages. At The Cusic Law Firm, P.C., we can help you advocate for a fair solution, such as extra time with your child to make up for what was lost.

Not Paying Alimony

Many spouses depend on alimony, or spousal maintenance, after a divorce to become financially stable. If your ex owes you unpaid alimony, you may begin to experience serious financial strain. The courts take the obligation of spousal maintenance very seriously. Before you ask a judge to enforce the alimony order, you should take the time to figure out how much your ex owes you in payments. 

To ensure that an order of alimony is enforced, a judge can employ several remedies. For instance, the judge can have the money taken directly from the delinquent spouse’s wages. Your ex could also be held in contempt of court for refusing to pay spousal support. Our lawyers can advocate for you, arguing for a full recovery of your overdue alimony.

Failing to Turn Over Marital Property

As part of your divorce decree, you and your spouse will have to divide your marital property between each other. If you believe that your spouse has not given you the property that you are legally entitled to, seeking outside help may be necessary.

At The Cusic Law Firm, P.C., we can closely review your divorce decree to determine what exactly you are owed. If the property division order is unclear, we may be able to resolve the issue through careful negotiation. But if your spouse still refuses to turn over your property, we can fight for your assets in court.

Meet With a Houston, TX Post-Decree Enforcement Lawyer

Whether due to malice or a genuine mistake, dealing with a spouse who will not honor the terms of a divorce can be frustrating. At The Cusic Law Firm, P.C., we have the resources and skills to help you enforce your rights. Contact our Harris County, TX family law attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.