I have an order, but the respondent refuses to pay, what can I do?

If the respondent has refused to pay you maintenance after a court order, you must bring the application back to the court. The maintenance department at the courts will then take action.

They will issue the respondent with a warning about his arrears and if he continues to avoid payment, a warrant will be issued for his attendance at court.

The court can then apply a variety of measures to ensure payment resumes as soon as possible. These can include;

• an attachment of earnings order;
• an arrestment order; or
• a charging order.

If the respondent continues to avoid paying maintenance, then the ultimate sanction would be a prison sentence.