When Can I Be Held In Contempt Of Court During A Florida Divorce Proceeding?
Generally speaking, you can be held in contempt of court for failing to comply with a court order handed down by a judge. These could involve issues related to child support, alimony, time-sharing, or the division of marital assets. Contempt can either be a criminal matter, aimed at punishing an individual for failure to obey the court, or a civil matter, aimed at compelling the individual to comply with the court order. In this article, the Tampa, FL, divorce lawyers at Faulkner Law Group, PLLC will answer the question: When can I be held in contempt of court during a Florida divorce case?
Common reasons individuals are held in contempt of court during a divorce case
- Failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony – An individual can be held in contempt of court for failing to pay child support or alimony. This is especially true if they have the means to pay and refuse.
- Violating a time-sharing agreement – An individual who intentionally violates a time-sharing agreement related to child custody can be held in contempt of court. This is especially true when one parent withholds the child from a scheduled visit.
- Failing to comply with the division of property – An individual who refuses to sell assets, property, or divide marital accounts as ordered by the court can be held in contempt to enforce the divorce judgment.
- Violating a restraining order – An individual can be held in contempt of court for violating a domestic violence restraining order. This is considered a serious offense by the court and can result in serious allegations.
- Concealing assets or falsifying financial information – An individual can be held in contempt of court for falsifying financial information when they disclose their income, assets, and debts.
What are the consequences of being held in contempt of court?
Generally, the court has three ways to enforce a contempt order. These include:
- Fines – The court can issue a fine against the individual who is found in contempt of court.
- Jail time – In the most serious cases, an individual can be sentenced to jail time for being held in contempt of court.
- Attorney fees – The individual may be ordered to pay their former spouse’s attorney fees.
- Modification of custody or visitation – If the contempt order was related to a child custody matter, the court can modify the existing parenting agreement to favor the spouse not held in contempt.
- Performance of specific acts – The court can compel the individual who is found in contempt to perform specific acts.
- Community service – The individual found in contempt can be forced to perform community service.
- Suspension of licenses – The individual found in contempt can have their driver’s license or professional licenses suspended by the court.
- Liens of property – If the issue was related to financial disclosure, the court can place a lien on the contemnor’s property.
Talk to a Tampa, FL, Divorce Lawyer Today
The Tampa family lawyers at Faulkner Law Group, PLLC, represent the interests of spouses who are pursuing a divorce. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
