When a divorce or custody order is finalized in Clark County, both parties are legally obligated to follow the terms set by the court. But what happens if one party refuses to comply? That’s where contempt orders come into play.
A contempt order is a powerful tool the court uses to enforce compliance with existing court rulings. Whether it involves child support, parenting time, spousal support, or property division, a contempt action can hold the non-compliant party accountable.
What Is a Contempt Order?
A contempt order is issued when a judge determines that one party willfully disobeyed a court order. This disobedience must be intentional, not accidental. For example:
• Failing to pay court-ordered child support.
• Refusing to follow parenting plan schedules.
• Ignoring property or debt division orders.
• Not providing required documents or information.
When the court finds someone in contempt, they may face fines, penalties, attorney’s fees, or even jail time until they comply.
When Can You File for Contempt?
You may seek a contempt order if the other party is clearly violating the court’s ruling. Common reasons include:
• Missed or incomplete child support payments.
• Denial of scheduled visitation.
• Failure to transfer property as ordered.
• Refusal to comply with spousal support obligations.
The key factor is that the violation must be willful, not due to circumstances beyond the person’s control.
Consequences of Contempt Orders
The court takes non-compliance seriously. Consequences can include:
• Monetary fines or covering the other party’s attorney’s fees.
• Make-up visitation time for denied parenting time.
• Jail time, in extreme cases, until compliance is achieved.
• Wage garnishment for unpaid child support.
These penalties are designed to enforce compliance, not to punish unnecessarily. The goal is to restore fairness and ensure both parties follow the original court order.
Why Legal Help Matters
Filing for contempt is not always straightforward. You must present evidence showing that the violation was intentional and that it caused harm. An experienced family law attorney can guide you through this process, prepare documentation, and represent your interests in court.
Moving Forward
If your former spouse or co-parent is not following the court’s orders, you have legal options. A contempt order in Clark County can help enforce compliance and protect your rights.
Robin Krane, Attorney at Law, has extensive experience handling contempt actions and family law cases in Clark County. If you’re facing challenges with a non-compliant party, professional legal guidance can make all the difference.
