Rule 814.Action to Obtain Money Judgment
Part VIII. Judgments; Post-Decree and Post-Judgment Proceedings · Last amended July 1, 2023 · Last verified September 4, 2026
Full Text of Rule 814
Rule History
(Adopted June 12, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.)
Plain-English Summary
Rule 814, adopted in 2023, gives family law a purpose-built way to turn an unpaid obligation into a collectible judgment.
What it covers
A party may file a petition for money judgment, in a form similar to an original petition — or a stipulation — in the original family law action, to enforce a term of the decree by obtaining a money judgment for:
- contribution for an amount one party paid toward debt assigned to the other in the decree;
- uncovered medical expenses incurred for the child;
- work-related day care expenses for the child;
- medical insurance premiums for insurance covering the child;
- unpaid child support or spousal maintenance, or other ordered payments; and
- reimbursement of other amounts ordered to be paid or shared.
Why it exists
These are recurring, accumulating obligations that a decree states as a share or a formula — half the uncovered medical bills, a proportion of day care — rather than as a fixed sum. There is nothing to execute on until someone computes the amount. Rule 814 does that computation in a proceeding, producing a judgment that Rule 810 can then enforce by writ and Rule 803 discharges when paid.
And the rule says it is separate and distinct from a contempt proceeding under Rule 812 and other remedies provided by law. A party need not prove willfulness to obtain the money, and seeking it does not give up contempt.
Procedure
The parties remain designated as petitioner and respondent from the original action regardless of who is now the moving party — so the captions stay stable across years of post-decree filings.
Unless the parties file a stipulation for entry of judgment, the petition must be served with a summons, by the same method as an original family law action under Rule 204, and on the responding party rather than on the previous attorney of record. That matters: an attorney's authority does not survive the decree.
Where the petition is filed in a case currently pending, it may instead be served under Rule 205(c)–(e) unless the court orders personal service.
The petition is adjudicated in the same manner as an original family law action, or expedited as directed by the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I get a money judgment for?
Rule 814(a) lists contribution for amounts paid toward debt assigned to the other party, reimbursement of uncovered medical expenses and work-related day care expenses for the child, medical insurance premiums covering the child, unpaid child support or spousal maintenance or other ordered payments, and reimbursement of other amounts ordered to be paid or shared.
Do I have to prove contempt?
No. Rule 814(a) provides that its provisions are separate and distinct from a contempt proceeding under Rule 812 and other remedies provided by law.
How is the petition served?
Rule 814(c) requires service with a summons by the same method as an original family law action under Rule 204, on the responding party rather than the previous attorney of record, unless the parties have filed a stipulation for entry of judgment. If the case is currently pending, service may be under Rule 205(c)-(e).
Do the parties switch places if I am the one filing?
No. Rule 814(b) provides that the parties remain designated as petitioner and respondent as set forth in the original family law action, regardless of whether that party is now the moving party.
How quickly is it decided?
Rule 814(d) provides that a petition for money judgment will be adjudicated in the same manner as an original family law action or may be expedited as directed by the court.
How do I collect once I have the judgment?
Rule 810 enforces a money judgment by writ of execution and allows post-judgment discovery, and Rule 803 requires a satisfaction of judgment once it is paid in full.