Process for Filing Contempt of Court in Child Custody Cases

I’m seeking advice on how to address non-compliance with a child custody order. Can anyone provide guidance on the steps involved in filing contempt of court charges in child custody matters, including the necessary documentation and potential outcomes?

1 Like

To address non-compliance with a child custody order, start by documenting instances where the other party hasn’t followed the court’s decision, like missed visits or refusals to return the child. Then, consult with a family law attorney who can help draft a motion for contempt of court. File this motion with the court and ensure the other party gets served. Attend the hearing to present your evidence, where the court will decide on penalties like fines or revised custody arrangements if they find contempt. Following these steps with legal guidance can help resolve issues effectively.

1 Like

Get it done as soon as possible. Although you can handle it yourself, hiring a lawyer is usually a preferable option. If the situation is severe enough, you may request make-up time or even a change of custody. Ignoring it will lead to parental alienation, which is nearly impossible for the courts to handle.

1 Like

Let the sheriff’s office serve the documents. They have a division for it. That removes you from the picture, forcing you to deal with it. It costs around $85 but is completely worth it.