First steps if you’ve been accused

  • Read the order carefully—what exactly was required and by when?
  • List what you did and when; gather proof (payments, messages, calendars)
  • Identify any barriers to compliance (job loss, illness, notice issues)
  • Do not ignore hearing notices—deadlines matter

Courts look at willfulness. If you lacked the ability to comply—and can show it—that can be a strong defense.

Our defense approach

1) Case review

  • What the order actually requires
  • Where misunderstandings or ambiguities exist

2) Evidence plan

  • Proof of payments, efforts to comply, and communications
  • Context for lapses (ability to comply, notice issues)

3) Compliance options

  • Proposed payment plan or schedule fix
  • Targeted updates to the order to prevent repeats

4) Court advocacy

  • Challenge “willfulness” and excessive sanctions
  • Seek reasonable purge conditions

5) After the hearing

  • Keep you on track for compliance
  • Modify orders if circumstances have changed

What outcomes are possible?

  • No contempt finding (if willfulness isn’t proven)
  • Compliance plan rather than punishment
  • Payment plan or make-up time
  • Fines or brief jail in serious/repeated cases

FAQs (Defense)

Will I go to jail?

Jail is uncommon and usually reserved for serious or repeated violations. We focus on compliance plans and fair outcomes.

What if I truly couldn’t comply?

Inability to comply can be a strong defense when supported by proof (income loss, medical issues, etc.).

Can the order be changed?

Sometimes the best fix is clarifying or modifying the order to prevent future problems.