RULE 12.570. ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS

(a)    Money Judgments. Final process to enforce a judgment solely for the payment of money shall be by execution, writ of garnishment, or other appropriate process or proceedings. Money judgments shall include, but not be limited to, judgments for alimony, child support, equitable distribution payments, attorneys’ fees, suit money, and costs.

(b)    Property Recovery. Final process to enforce a judgment for the recovery of property shall be by a writ of possession for real property and by a writ of replevin, distress writ, writ of garnishment, or other appropriate process or proceedings for other property.

(c)    Performance of an Act. If judgment is for the performance of a specific act or contract:

(1)    the judgment must specify the time within which the act must be performed. If the act is not performed within the time specified, the party seeking enforcement of the judgment shall make an affidavit that the judgment has not been complied with within the prescribed time and the clerk shall issue a writ of attachment against the delinquent party. The delinquent party shall not be released from the writ of attachment until that party has complied with the judgment and paid all costs accruing because of the failure to perform the act. If the delinquent party cannot be found, the party seeking enforcement of the judgment shall file an affidavit to this effect and the court shall issue a writ of sequestration against the delinquent party’s property. The writ of sequestration shall not be dissolved until the delinquent party complies with the judgment;

(2)    the court may hold the disobedient party in contempt; or

(3)    the court may appoint some person, not a party to the action, to perform the act insofar as practicable. The performance of the act by the person appointed has the same effect as if performed by the party against whom the judgment was entered.

(d)    Parental Responsibility. Actions for enforcement of issues related to parental responsibility may be brought by motion.

(e)     Vesting Title. If the judgment is for a conveyance, transfer, release, or acquittance of real or personal property, the judgment has the effect of a duly executed conveyance, transfer, release, or acquittance that is recorded in the county where the judgment is recorded. A judgment under this subdivision will be effective notwithstanding any disability of a party.


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