Contempt Motion of Divorce Decree

Family courts derive contempt powers from both statutory and inherent authority. This allows judges to enforce compliance through coercive or punitive means when a party ignores or defies a valid order. The moving party bears the burden of proof to establish contempt by clear and convincing evidence.

To prove contempt in family court, the petitioner must show:

• - There was a valid court order.
  The original divorce decree or subsequent modification must be lawful and enforceable.

- The accused had knowledge of the order.
Proof that the respondent was properly notified or aware of the court’s instructions.

- The accused had the ability to comply.
The respondent must have had both the resources and opportunity to fulfill the order.

- The accused willfully disobeyed the order.
Noncompliance must be intentional—not accidental or unavoidable.

If these elements are established, the burden may shift to the accused spouse to explain or justify noncompliance.

• - Failure to pay child support or alimony despite ability to do so

- Violation of custody or visitation schedules without court approval

- Refusal to transfer property or assets as ordered in the decree

- Failure to maintain insurance coverage or comply with healthcare provisions

Our attorneys help clients assess whether noncompliance rises to the level of contempt or may instead be resolved through modification or mediation.

Typical defenses include:

• - Lack of knowledge of the order – The accused was not properly informed of the decree or modification.

- Inability to comply due to financial hardship – The respondent lacked the financial means to pay support or perform obligations.

- Honest mistake or misunderstanding – The noncompliance resulted from confusion or ambiguous language in the order.

- Action was legally justified – Compliance was delayed or altered due to legitimate legal or safety concerns (e.g., protecting a child’s welfare).

Our attorneys carefully examine the facts and documentation to determine whether these defenses apply, helping clients respond effectively and minimize potential penalties.

• - Monetary fines: Financial penalties proportionate to the severity of the violation.

- Jail time: Rare, but possible in cases of repeated or egregious disobedience.

- Modification of custody or visitation: The court may adjust parenting arrangements if noncompliance impacts children.

- Payment of the opposing party’s legal fees: The violator may be ordered to reimburse the moving party’s attorney costs.

- Court-ordered compliance plans: Judges may create structured deadlines for payments or actions to restore compliance.

The goal of these measures is not punishment for its own sake but the restoration of fairness and accountability.

During the hearing, both sides may present testimony, financial documents, and witness statements. Judges often encourage settlement discussions or voluntary compliance before issuing coercive penalties. If found in contempt, the court may suspend penalties contingent on future compliance—known as a “purge condition.”

Sometimes, noncompliance stems from genuine changes—such as job loss, health issues, or relocation. In such cases, our attorneys assist in petitioning for modification of child support, custody, or maintenance to reflect current realities.

We also support clients in pursuing mediation or settlement before filing contempt motions, saving time, expense, and emotional stress while achieving compliance through cooperative means.