Family courts often issue formal orders in divorce matters to finalize issues related to alimony or spousal support, child custody, child support, visitation and the payment of court costs or attorney fees. Court orders can provide individuals with certainty during this emotionally stressful time. Unfortunately, not every party to a divorce proceeding complies with orders issued by the presiding judge.
Each court order is unique. Some court orders include specific penalties for failing to comply while others do not. In either case, a court will not be automatically alerted if a party fails to comply with a court order. A party must petition the court to compel compliance or impose punishment for non-compliance by filing an action for contempt.
In a civil contempt action, a party seeks to compel compliance with a court order before the imposition of a punishment or fine. In contrast, if a person is found to be in criminal contempt, they may face jail time for failing to obeying the court’s orders.
Contempt actions can be expensive and time consuming. By consulting with an experienced divorce attorney, you can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a contempt action again the non-complying party. At times, the emotional and financial costs associated with filing this type of court action may not be in your best interest. If the filing of a contempt action is the only course of action that can result in compliance of a court order, an experienced divorce lawyer can put you in the best position to win these types of actions.
Baltimore Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles Assist Individuals in all types of Maryland Divorce Matters
If you are seeking to enforce a court order in a family law matter, you should seek the assistance of an experienced family law attorney to help you navigate the complexities of filing a contempt action. At Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, our experienced Baltimore divorce lawyers aggressively work to ensure that all involved parties comply with the orders issued by the family court. Our dedicated family law attorneys assist individuals engaged in divorce proceedings with matters related to property distribution, alimony, child support, child custody and child visitation.
With offices conveniently located in Hunt Valley, Maryland, the Baltimore divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC serve divorce and family law clients throughout Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Howard County. We are also available to help those in Towson, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster and Essex. To schedule your free confidential consultation today, contact us at (443) 589-0150 or submit an online inquiry form.
