Milford Law Firm

Contempt

When a court issues an order, whether it relates to child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, or any other family law matter, both parties are legally required to comply. Unfortunately, some individuals fail to follow these court orders, creating financial, emotional, and legal hardships for the other party. If someone is willfully violating a court order, you may have the right to file a contempt action to enforce compliance and hold them accountable.



At Harding Law Firm, LLC, we help clients pursue contempt proceedings when court orders are ignored or disobeyed. Whether you are facing unpaid child support, denied visitation, or another violation of a legally binding order, we guide you through the legal process to ensure your rights are protected.

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What is Contempt of Court?

A person can be found in contempt of court if they willfully refuse to obey a valid and enforceable court order. In family law cases, contempt is often used to address violations such as:


  • Failure to pay child support or spousal support
  • Refusing to comply with a custody or visitation order
  • Not transferring property or assets as ordered in a divorce decree
  • Ignoring court-mandated participation in therapy, mediation, or other required actions


To prove contempt, the accusing party must show that:


  1. A valid court order exists.
  2. The other party knew about the order.
  3. The other party willfully violated the order.


If the court finds the non-compliant party in contempt, they may face serious legal consequences, including fines, wage garnishment, loss of driving privileges, and even jail time in extreme cases.


Filing a Contempt Motion

If the other party is ignoring a court order, taking legal action may be necessary to enforce compliance. The process generally involves:


  1. Filing a motion for contempt with the court, outlining how the other party has violated the order.
  2. Serving the motion to the non-compliant party, giving them an opportunity to respond.
  3. Attending a court hearing, where both parties can present evidence and testimony.
  4. The court issuing a ruling, which may include penalties, enforcement actions, or modifications to the original order.


Because courts take contempt cases seriously, it is important to present strong evidence demonstrating the violation. Our firm ensures that all legal documentation and arguments are properly prepared to increase the chances of a successful outcome.


Defending Against a Contempt Allegation

If you have been accused of contempt, you have the right to present a defense and explain your circumstances. In some cases, contempt charges may arise due to misunderstandings, financial hardships, or unavoidable circumstances rather than willful disobedience. Potential defenses may include:


  • Inability to comply with the order due to financial or health-related reasons
  • Lack of proper notification or misunderstanding of the court order
  • Attempted compliance with the order that was prevented by the other party


If you are facing a contempt charge, our firm can help you respond effectively, present your case, and seek a fair resolution.


Protecting Your Rights and Enforcing Court Orders

Court orders exist to ensure fairness and stability in family law matters. If someone is violating an order and causing you unnecessary hardship, or if you need to defend yourself against an unjust contempt claim, Harding Law Firm, LLC is here to help.


Take Action to Enforce or Defend a Court Order

Ignoring a court order is a serious offense, and legal action may be necessary to protect your rights. Whether you need to enforce compliance or defend against a contempt allegation, contact Harding Law Firm, LLC today to discuss your case and take the next step toward a resolution.

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