What is contempt of court?

On Behalf of | Apr 28, 2023 | child support | 0 comments

When a judge issues an order for you to pay child support, it becomes a formal legal matter. An order from a judge is binding. You must follow that order or face consequences.

If you stop paying your child support or otherwise violate the support order, the court could charge you with contempt. This can be a serious matter that lands you in jail.

Contempt of court defined

Contempt of court is simply when you defy a court order. It is basically not listening to what a judge tells you to do, which is against the law.

Order of contempt

The judge who issued the support order has the right to issue a contempt of court order. The judge has a lot of leeway on whether he or she will charge you or not. It often depends on your actions and the circumstances surrounding the issue. Some judges may simply request you appear before the bench to explain why you are not honoring the child support order. Others may issue a contempt of court order, which would result in a warrant for your arrest.

Possible consequences

You may end up having to spend time in jail after a contempt charge. You would also gain a criminal record if this happens. The judge may also allow you to argue your case and accept your explanation for not paying child support because you have solid evidence. It could result in the judge setting a hearing on your child support case to make modifications.