If you have every watched a legal drama on TV, you have heard the phrase, “you’re in contempt!” This is common during criminal cases in courtroom dramas, but you might not realize contempt charges can also occur in civil court; in fact, contempt charges are a common part of family law cases.
Basler Family Law helps those facing civil contempt charges, as well as those who want to file a contempt action against the other party. If you need help with a contempt proceeding, contact Basler Family Law today!
What is Contempt of Court?
Contempt of court is when you willfully refuse to comply with a court order. For instance, the court might order a parent to have visitation with the child(ren) every weekend. If the other parent refuses to exchange the child(ren) to the other parent they could be held in contempt. Also, if the other parent refuses to exchange the child(ren) back to the parent, they could also be held in contempt. Other reasons you could be held in contempt are refusing to pay child support, maintenance, or anything else required by a court order.
Filing a Contempt Citation
If someone has violated a court order, you can file a contempt citation. By filing a contempt citation, you are essentially asking the judge to penalize the other party. After filing a contempt citation, the judge will issue a citation to the other party, requiring them to appear and show cause why they are not in contempt.
If you file a contempt citation, it is up to you to prove that the other party is in contempt. You should provide as much evidence as possible, and the attorneys at Basler Family Law are here to help you build your case. We understand what is necessary to win these cases and will work tirelessly to help you win yours.
What to Do When Charged with Contempt
If you have been charged with contempt, you can fight the charges but will likely need help from an experienced family law attorney. We will analyze your case and come up with best defense. The attorneys at Basler Family Law will talk with you to learn your specific circumstances and come up with a defense that makes it easy for a judge to rule in your favor.
Your Resource for Contempt of Court
Contempt of court is serious regardless of which side you are on. If you need to file a citation against someone else, you need to be taken seriously so the other side is forced to comply with the court order. If you have been charged with contempt, you need a good defense in order to avoid remedial or punitive sanctions.
Basler Family Law helps you no matter which side of the case you’re on. Contact us so we can help you with your contempt case. Whether you need a vigorous defense or want to file for contempt, we are here for you.