Divorce Contempt Attorneys
What is Contempt of Court?
When a divorce is finalized, the judge signs a decree of divorce which sets forth the obligations of the parties. If the parties entered into a settlement agreement, it is incorporated into and becomes a part of the divorce decree. Contempt of court is a ruling by the judge that a person is intentionally failing to follow a judge’s order. If you are cited with contempt you may be punished by a fine or a jail sentence until he or
she obeys the court order. If you or your ex are facing contempt charges, let Crawford and Boyle, LLC, help you build a case for your interests.
Dial (678) 680-5000 now or contact our firm online to schedule a consultation.
How to File Contempt of Court in Georgia?
Generally, a party may seek enforcement of a divorce decree by filing a Motion for Contempt. Most commonly, Motions for Contempt are filed in relation to:
- Non-payment of child support
- Failure to pay medical bills, credit card bills, or other debts
- Failure to maintain health or life insurance
- Violations of visitation provisions
- Failure to turn over property
It’s advisable to send the offending party a certified letter demanding compliance with the divorce decree by a certain date. This is especially useful in cases involving the failure to pay child support, medical bills and other debts, and the failure to maintain health or life insurance.
Crawford and Boyle, LLC Divorce Contempt Legal Counsel
If the offending party does not cure the violation, the next step is to file a Motion for Contempt. The motion must set forth the specific provisions of the divorce decree which have been violated as well as the acts or omissions which constitute the violation.
Motions should set forth the total amount due on obligations, including:
- Child support
- Medical bills
- Credit card bills
- Other debts
The Motion for Contempt must be served on the offending party. In most jurisdictions, personal service is required; serving the attorney for the offending party is not acceptable. After the offending party has been served, the matter will be set for hearing.
If a party is found to be in violation of the divorce decree, courts have the authority to place the offending party in jail until the contempt of court has been cured. Courts may also order the offending party to pay the attorney’s fees and court costs incurred by the petitioner in filing the contempt action.
Our firm collects a nominal fee for divorce and child custody consultations. Get help with your case. Dial (678) 680-5000 now.