When Connecticut family courts hand down a final order, that order becomes law. If you do not agree with the ruling, you cannot choose to ignore it.
Instead, you must go through the courts to request a change. Your ex must do the same. Failure to abide by court orders may result in a contempt of court motion.
There are several reasons why parents file contempt of court motions, including but not limited to:
- Child custody
- Visitation
- Child support
- Health insurance
- Medical bill payment
Filing a contempt of court motion
If you believe that your child’s other parent is in contempt of the court order, the first thing you need to do is file a form called Motion for Contempt.
This order does not automatically hold the other parent in contempt. Instead, it asks the parent to come to court to explain why he or she disobeyed the order in the first place. Once the court hears the explanation, it will decide whether he or she is guilty of contempt, what the appropriate punishment should be if guilty.
Hiring an attorney to file a Motion for Contempt
You do not need a lawyer to file a Motion for Contempt on your behalf, nor do you need an attorney to represent you at the hearing. However, this legal resource highly recommends retaining the help of a qualified attorney who can help you with the process and fill out the forms appropriately.
A lawyer can also provide you with sound legal advice and ensure you do not do anything to jeopardize your case.
