Contempt of Court Orders at The Goodman Law Firm

When a court order is issued, it is legally binding, and all parties are expected to comply. Unfortunately, not everyone follows these orders, which can create stress, financial strain, and uncertainty. At The Goodman Law Firm, we help clients enforce court orders and hold non-compliant parties accountable, ensuring your rights are protected.

What Is Contempt of Court?

Contempt of court occurs when someone willfully disobeys a valid court order. In family law cases, this often involves violations of orders related to child custody, child support, or spousal support. The court has the authority to enforce these orders through various legal measures, including fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time for serious violations.

Types of Contempt Cases We Handle

1. Contempt of Child Custody Court Orders

When a parent violates a child custody order—such as withholding visitation, failing to return a child on time, or refusing to comply with the agreed parenting schedule—it can disrupt the child’s life and your relationship. We help enforce custody orders and hold the other parent accountable, ensuring stability for your child.

2. Contempt of Child Support Court Orders

Failure to pay child support can place significant financial strain on the custodial parent and the child. If the other parent refuses to comply with a child support order, we take legal action to secure the payments your child deserves. This may include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or other enforcement measures.

3. Contempt of Spousal Support Court Orders

Spousal support orders are designed to ensure financial stability after a divorce. If your ex-spouse refuses to meet their spousal support obligations, we work to enforce the order and recover the payments owed to you.

4. Contempt of General Court Orders

Beyond custody and support issues, failure to comply with any family court order—such as property division or other agreements—can lead to contempt proceedings. We ensure your rights are upheld and the terms of the court order are enforced.

How Can The Goodman Law Firm Help?

Contempt cases require a clear understanding of legal procedures and the ability to demonstrate non-compliance. At The Goodman Law Firm, we:

• Analyze the situation to confirm the court order’s validity
• Gather evidence to prove willful non-compliance
• File a motion for contempt and represent you in court

Whether you’re enforcing a custody schedule, recovering unpaid support, or addressing other violations, we’ll advocate for your rights and pursue fair outcomes.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Ignoring court orders undermines the justice system and can harm families. Acting promptly to address violations sends a clear message that court orders must be respected, protecting both you and your children from ongoing disruption.

Q&A: What You Should Know About Contempt of Court

What qualifies as contempt of court in family law cases?

Contempt occurs when someone willfully disobeys a valid court order, such as failing to pay child or spousal support, violating custody arrangements, or not following property division orders.

How do I prove contempt of court?

To prove contempt, you must show:

• A valid court order exists.
• The other party knew about the order.
• They willfully failed to comply.
  Gathering evidence like emails, text messages, or financial records can support your case.

What penalties can the court impose for contempt?

Penalties for contempt can include:

• Fines
• Wage garnishment
• Seizure of tax refunds
• Jail time for severe or repeated violations

The court’s goal is to enforce compliance, not punish unnecessarily.

Can I file for contempt if my ex-spouse is late with child support payments?

Yes, even consistent late payments may qualify as contempt. The court can enforce the order and implement measures like automatic income withholding to ensure timely payments.

How long does a contempt case take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule. Acting quickly and providing clear evidence can help expedite the process.