Enforcements actions can be a source of confusion for many. While enforcement actions actually allow for many different remedies, many view them in the family law context as being simply synonymous with contempt of court.

Enforcement is the act of compelling observance or compliance with a law, rule or obligation. An enforcement case in family law compels compliance with a court order.

So if enforcement of a judgment is the right – what are the remedies for that right? Remember that at law a right goes with a remedy (or more than one remedy). A legal remedy is the MEANS by which a court of law enforces a right. “For every right there is a remedy. Where there is no remedy, there is no right.” (William Blackstone)

Generally, remedies are in two broad categories – judicial remedies or those that a judge can award — versus extrajudicial remedies or self-help that keeps people out of the court system.

Judicial remedies generally fall in 3 categories – monetary damages, declaratory relief, and equitable remedies like injunctions or specific performance or even contempt of court.

In this continuing legal education presentation, I discuss the different remedies for enforcement beyond contempt. I also deep dive into contempt actions — how to prosecute them, how to defend them and how to appeal them.

This presentation is approved for 1.0 hour of CLE credit by the State Bar of Texas.

Watch here: https://fb.watch/9rW1HFWQLW/

Here’s my written notes from the presentation: Enforcement versus Contempt