What are Contempt Issues?
Posted on Nov 1, 2011 12:05pm PDT
Orders that arise out of
divorce proceedings are typically considered
contempt issues. This means that the order is not enacted to repay a debt but rather to
guarantee continuing support or equitable division of assets. For example,
support orders are considered a contempt issue because
child support and
alimony are not debts incurred during the marriage. Rather they are continuing
methods of support that fall under the category of contempt.
Likewise
child custody and
visitation orders don't signify a debt obligation. Courts can invoke their contempt
power against a parent to limit child custody or visitation for the safety
and well-being of the child. A third situation in which contempt is a
factor is property division orders. If one spouse refuses to give up a
property, a court can use its contempt powers to order the spouse to relinquish
said property under the terms of the divorce settlement.
If you have questions about contempt issues arising from your divorce proceedings,
contact Hutchinson Law today to get answers and insight from a Jacksonville family law attorney
from our legal team.