[WSBARP] Off topic - Physical enforcement of court order

[Mike Zeno]

Getting the sheriff out there doesn't sound like a bad idea.  Sheriff will physically hold "financial" person at bay while you walk out with computer and records.  It's not immediately clear to me how to get from court order to getting the sheriff out there, though.  While contempt is the right remedy for refusal to obey an order, you'll need some sort of writ to engage the sheriff.  Could be a writ of replevin, maybe.

The Law Office of G. Michael Zeno, Jr., P.S.
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Kirkland, WA 98033

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From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Craig Gourley
Sent: Monday, February 2, 2026 1:04 PM
To: WSBA Real Property Listserv <wsbarp at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBARP] Off topic - Physical enforcement of court order

Good afternoon listmates.  Not sure what to do with this one.   Family business has been run for almost 40 years.  One party has operated the physical side while other party handled all the accounting etc.  Recently it has come to light that financial side has not been paying bills, taxes etc and all the money is gone. Taxes and penalties alone run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.   Some speculation of mental decline on the financial side but many acts are obviously intentional.  Financial side has removed or blocked operations side from access to bank accounts and communication with tax authorities.   Operational side has zero access to physical records and most electronic records.  Taxes are due including W2s etc, We obtained a court order for financial side to immediately surrender physical possession of all company records to the newly hired company accountant.   Financial side refuses to respond.  Basically total silence and no compliance.   What now?   We can get a contempt order but we expect that It will also be ignored.   Essentially anything short of showing up with a Sherriff and physically forcing a turnover of records will be ignored.   Financial side works out of their house just to add an additional layer of complexity.   Court orders seem to be a toothless tiger and I can't  see a judge ordering an 83 year old lady to jail for contempt, even if she deserves it.  Any great ideas?

GOURLEY LAW GROUP
THE EXCHANGE CONNECTION
SNOHOMISH ESCROW
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Snohomish, WA 98291
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