Legal Procedure

Contempt Motion

A legal filing asking the court to find that the other party violated a court order and to impose penalties.

Understanding Contempt Motion

A contempt motion is filed when one spouse deliberately disobeys a court order, such as failing to pay support, violating custody schedules, or ignoring discovery requests. The filing party must prove the order existed, the other party knew about it, and they willfully failed to comply. Penalties for contempt can include fines, makeup parenting time, attorney fee awards, and even jail time for serious or repeated violations. Contempt proceedings are a primary enforcement mechanism in family law.

Real-World Examples

She filed a contempt motion after he missed three consecutive child support payments despite having the ability to pay.

Related Terms

Discovery Abuse

Improper conduct during the discovery process, such as hiding documents, providing false information, or making excessive requests to harass the other party.

Temporary Orders

Court orders that establish interim rules for custody, support, and property during the divorce process.

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This definition is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws and terminology may vary by state and jurisdiction.

Always consult a licensed attorney in your area for advice specific to your situation.