Contempt of court occurs when an individual disobeys a court order or disrupts the court’s authority. Contempt can be civil or criminal, and the consequences can vary from fines to imprisonment. Understanding contempt is essential when dealing with an ex-spouse who isn’t complying with a court order. If your ex-spouse ignores a court order, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights. Contact Douglass & Runger for guidance on filing a Petition.
Civil Contempt is when you can still cure the contempt: such, if you owe a bunch of child support, you can make payments to catch up and no longer be in contempt of court.
Criminal Contempt is when the act that is against the Court order can’t be cured. The damage is done: Such as, not allowing a parent to visit with a kid on his birthday if the court order and the birthday passes.
Consequences of Contempt of Court Orders
When a court finds someone in contempt, the consequences can be severe. If your ex-spouse isn’t following a court order, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Contact us to schedule a discovery call with Douglass & Runger and take action today. Depending on the nature of the contempt, the penalties may include:
- The court may impose financial penalties on the party in contempt.
- In some cases, the court may order jail time, especially for repeat offenders.
- The court can take additional steps to enforce compliance, such as wage garnishment or asset seizure.
Contempt in Divorce and Family Law
Contempt is common in family law, particularly when one party refuses to comply with divorce decrees or custody agreements. If your ex-spouse is violating a court order, you can file a motion for contempt to enforce the terms of your agreement.
Domestic Contempt Hearings
If you file a motion for contempt, the court will schedule a hearing to review the evidence and determine whether contempt occurred. Both parties can present their case at this hearing, and the judge will decide the appropriate penalties.
Principles Underlying the Court’s Contempt Powers
The court’s ability to hold someone in contempt is a powerful tool for enforcing compliance with legal orders. The underlying principle is that court orders must be respected, and the court has the authority to compel obedience to its rulings. Understanding the court’s contempt powers is key to enforcing your rights if you’re dealing with a non-compliant ex-spouse. Contact Douglass & Runger to learn more about how we can help.
