Washington § 26.18.050 - Failure to comply with support or maintenance order — Contempt action — Order to show cause — Bench warrant — Continuing jurisdiction.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.18.050 — Failure to comply with support or maintenance order — Contempt action — Order to show cause — Bench warrant — Continuing jurisdiction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.18.050. Failure to comply with support or maintenance order — Contempt action — Order to show cause — Bench warrant — Continuing jurisdiction.

(1) If an obligor fails to comply with a support or maintenance order, a petition or motion may be filed without notice under RCW 26.18.040 to initiate a contempt action as provided in chapter 7.21 RCW. If the court finds there is reasonable cause to believe the obligor has failed to comply with a support or maintenance order, the court may issue an order to show cause requiring the obligor to appear at a certain time and place for a hearing, at which time the obligor may appear to show cause why the relief requested should not be granted. A copy of the petition or motion shall be served on the obligor along with the order to show cause.
(2) Service of the order to show cause shall be by personal service, or in the manner provided in the civil rules of superior court or applicable statute.
(3) If the order to show cause served upon the obligor included a warning that an arrest warrant could be issued for failure to appear, the court may issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the obligor if the obligor fails to appear on the return date provided in the order.
(4) If the obligor contends at the hearing that he or she lacked the means to comply with the support or maintenance order, the obligor shall establish that he or she exercised due diligence in seeking employment, in conserving assets, or otherwise in rendering himself or herself able to comply with the court's order.
(5) As provided in RCW 26.18.040, the court retains continuing jurisdiction under this chapter and may use a contempt action to enforce a support or maintenance order until the obligor satisfies all duties of support, including arrearages, that accrued pursuant to the support or maintenance order.
[ 2008 c 6 s 1030; 1993 c 426 s 5; 1989 c 373 s 22; 1984 c 260 s 5.]

Notes

Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.18.050

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.18.050 cover?

Section 26.18.050 ("Failure to comply with support or maintenance order — Contempt action — Order to show cause — Bench warrant — Continuing jurisdiction.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 26.18.050?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.18.050" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 26.18.050 apply to my situation?

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