Skip to Content
Top
Family Code section 5241 Your Family Is In Good Hands. Put More Than 15 Years of
Dedicated Experience in Family Law on Your Side.

California Family Code

Family Code section 5241

ARTICLE 2. General Provisions [5230 - 5247]

( Article 2 enacted by Stats. 1992, Ch. 162, Sec. 10. )

5241.

(a) An employer who willfully fails to withhold and forward support pursuant to a currently valid assignment order entered and served upon the employer pursuant to this chapter is liable to the obligee for the amount of support not withheld, forwarded, or otherwise paid to the obligee, including any interest thereon.

(b) If an employer withholds support as required by the assignment order, the obligor shall not be held in contempt or subject to criminal prosecution for nonpayment of the support that was withheld by the employer but not received by the obligee. In addition, the employer is liable to the obligee for any interest incurred as a result of the employer’s failure to timely forward the withheld support pursuant to an assignment earnings order.

(c) In addition to any other penalty or liability provided by law, willful failure by an employer to comply with an assignment order is punishable as a contempt pursuant to Section 1218 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(d) If an employer withholds support, as required by the assignment order, but fails to forward the support to the obligee, the local child support agency shall take appropriate action to collect the withheld sums from the employer. The child support obligee or the local child support agency upon application may obtain an order requiring payment of support by electronic transfer from the employer’s bank account if the employer has willfully failed to comply with the assignment order or if the employer has failed to comply with the assignment order on three separate occasions within a 12-month period. Where a court finds that an employer has willfully failed to comply with the assignment order or has otherwise failed to comply with the assignment order on three separate occasions within a 12-month period, the court may impose a civil penalty, in addition to any other penalty required by law, of up to 50 percent of the support amount that has not been received by the obligee.

(e) To facilitate employer awareness, the local child support agency shall make reasonable efforts to notify any employer subject to an assignment order pursuant to this chapter of the electronic fund transfer provision and enhanced penalties provided by this act.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any penalty payable pursuant to this subdivision shall be payable directly to the obligee. The local child support agency shall not be required to establish or collect this penalty on behalf of the obligee. The penalty shall not be included when determining the income of the obligee for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the obligee for benefits payable pursuant to state supplemental income programs. A court may issue the order requiring payment of support by electronic transfer from the employer’s bank account and impose the penalty described in this subdivision, after notice and hearing. This provision shall not be construed to expand or limit the duties and obligations of the Labor Commissioner, as set forth in Section 200 and following of the Labor Code.

A Practical Guide to California Family Law By Paul A. Eads, Esq.

This book, written By Paul A. Eads, helps readers know how to prepare before they initiate a legal endeavor and helps make the legal terms of family law issues easier to understand.


 

Client Testimonials

See What Others Are Saying
    "Mr. Eads, you are a true master in your field and I will always be available should any of your prospective clients want to contact me as a reference."
    Mr. Eads, you are a true master in your field.
    - Peter K.
    "Mr. Eads worked hard for me and I am confident he will do the same for you."
    My ex boyfriend was very abusive. His attorney seemed to be very aggressive and was always filing Ex Parte (emergency) hearings for me to appear in court. Due to a cost issue, I attempted to handle matters myself but it seemed that I could not get my point accrues to the judge who seemed to be familiar with my ex boyfriend’s attorney. I found Mr. Eads in the phonebook and I thought I would give him a call. Mr. Eads was able to get the restraining order I was seeking and my ex boyfriend ended up paying Mr. Eads’ attorney fees. I can now feel rest-assured that my daughter and I will be safe. I also happy that I do not have to deal with my ex’s attorney anymore. Mr. Eads worked hard for me and I am confident he will do the same for you.
    - K.Y.
    "He was very sympathetic to my cause and was very reassuring when I needed his assistance."
    I was very pleased with the outcome of my case.
    - Albert N.
    "I was barely able to make ends meet. Mr. Eads worked out a payment plan with me and reduced my arrears."
    I will be able to pay it off quicker and with more money left over with the payment Mr. Eads was able to negotiate for me.
    - John H.
    "The outcome was much more than I ever expected to receive."
    My previous attorney failed to show up for my court date and as a result, the matter was set for trial without any input from my side. I desperately sought out an attorney but most of them wanted a huge retainer up front. I found Mr. Eads and when I went in for a consultation, I found that his retainer was more than reasonable. I also liked the fact that he practices exclusively family law and seems very familiar with the local judicial officers. I felt very comfortable with Mr. Eads in my corner going into my trial and I found that the outcome was much more than I ever expected to receive. Mr. Eads was very thorough in my case evaluation and helped me get everything I was entitled to.
    - J.L.
    "Mr. Eads when to bat for me and in my opinion, hit a home run."
    I decided to hire Mr. Eads based on his experience and the fact that his practice is limited to Family Law.
    - Veronica S.
    "Mr. Eads was able to help structure a settlement that allowed me to keep my business while sharing the business debts with my ex."
    I am a business owner and when I got divorced, I was terrified that I would lose my business. My business was also heavily leveraged against and I did not have enough capitol to sustain the business and pay my wife spousal support. My ex had an attorney who was very intimidating and kept pressuring me to liquidate the business so that I could pay his attorney’s fees. I was referred to Mr. Eads by a friend. Mr. Eads was able to help structure a settlement that allowed me to keep my business while sharing the business debts with my ex. I was also able to shorten my spousal support obligation. I really appreciate Mr. Eads professionalism and guidance during these difficult times.
    - J.A.
    "Not only did Mr. Eads get my daughter returned to me, I was able to have full physical custody."
    I am honored to write this review for Mr. Eads after he helped reunify me with my daughter after my ex abducted her and moved to Arizona. I was devastated when I came home from work to find my ex had left with all our daughter’s belongings. I called the police who told me I needed to hire an attorney. I came across Mr. Eads’ website and I was impressed with his bio. I contacted him immediately and within days, we were in court requesting that my the DA Abduction unit assist me in the return of my daughter. Not only did Mr. Eads get my daughter returned to me, I was able to have full physical custody and my ex has summer and holiday visitation. Mr. Eads is truly my hero. Thanks Mr. Eads!
    - Paul W.

Contact Us Today!

Get Started With a Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Why Choose Us?

See What Sets Us Apart
  • Up-to-Date Counsel on Recent Developments in Family Law
  • Top Rating for Ethics & Legal Skill (AV Preeminent® Rating)
  • Over 15 Years of Legal Experience Exclusively in Family Law
  • Compassionate & Cost-Effective Representation