In some situation, the District Attorney is seeking reimbursement of public funds used for assistance purposes in one form or another. Restraining orders can be either domestic or civil. Certain automatic restraining orders become effective at the outset of a divorce, legal separation or nullity case. These deal mostly with property. Violation of a restraining order can result in arrest, new charges being filed and potential jail time.
Various procedures are available to enforce court orders.
The most potent, available in some situations, is contempt of court. Contempt of court is a complex field which requires expertise from an attorney involving not only a knowledge of family law but also a good grasp of criminal and constitutional law. Since the consequences might place the accused person in jail for an extended period of time, it is considered very serious. Several procedures are available for the collection of money owed in family law proceedings. Wage garnishment is the best known although not the only one.