Contempt and Enforcement
Complying with court orders
Court orders are handed down by judges to not only define how parties are to relate to each other, but, often require certain actions be taken. A court order is enforced through contempt of court, so if someone does not comply with the court order, the judge may declare you to be disobedient. Being held in contempt, or disobedient of a court order, will result in paying money, serving jail time, or other remedies such as allowing make-up parenting time. It is rare for a person to be charged for contempt without receiving a warning or some notice, but it may be that the first time you learn of it is when you are served papers alleging that you are in contempt.
WHAT IS CONTEMPT OF COURT?
Contempt of court is a declaration by a judge that you have disobeyed a court order. The court order may describe and mandate a set parenting plan, spousal and child support payments, and more. If any part of the court order is disobeyed that person can be punished.
DEFENDING AGAINST ALLEGATIONS OF CONTEMPT OF COURT
Contempt of court is a serious allegation. You may be called to appear before the judge to explain yourself, your actions, and attempt to make a defense to avoid punishment. If allegations of contempt are filed by the other party, you should speak with your attorney right away so that you can understand how to move forward with a defense. Papers will need to be filed with the court which explain why you were unable to fully comply with the court order.
ENFORCEMENT OF A COURT ORDER
You may not be the one accused of contempt, but you want to accuse the other parent of the same because they are not complying with a court order. The other parent may not be making their child support payments in a timely fashion, or in complete payments. The other parent may not be coordinating parenting time as the court order dictates. Or, there are other parts of the court order that are not being followed. If so, you may need to ask for help from the court by alleging contempt of court.
CONTACT US TODAY
If you have been served with allegations of contempt of court, or are interested in learning how you can enforce a court order, call our office at 503-371-9500
If you would like to speak with an attorney
(503) 371-9500