A contempt action is most commonly brought by an EX who is not receiving the full amount of child support ordered by the trial court.
Contempt is found when the court ordered something, and someone failed to do as ordered. Generally, the contempt must be willful and wanton in order for the Petitioner to prevail and receive attorneys fees. But, in most of the cases, if the payor didn't pay, the court will find that it was willful.
Contempt is very, very serious. First, the person who didn't follow the order can be subject ot court sanctions, including incarceration. And there's no time limit specified, so that person could be in jail for years. Secondly, the person who is found in contempt, if it is willful, is made to pay a portion or all of the other party's attorney's fees.
So, take it seriously. Hiring an attorney after you have been found guilty of contempt cannot undo what has already been done
Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.
