Divorces do not always go smoothly. After the divorce, one party might disagree with a portion of the judge’s decision and decide not to follow the order. This behavior can result in an order to show cause or a motion for contempt. Whether you are the recipient of an order to show cause or a motion for contempt, or thinking of filing one against your former spouse, you should learn more about this process. Here is what you need to know:
Motion for Contempt vs. Order to Show Cause?
If you willfully ignore or violate a court order, you could be held in contempt of court. After you violate the court order, your former spouse can file a motion for an order to show cause or a motion for contempt against you. If he/she files a Motion for Contempt, he/she will set a hearing date and he/she will have the burden to show that you should be held in contempt, and the judge will make a decision as to whether you should be held in contempt at the hearing. If your ex files a Motion for order to show cause, and the judge grants the motion (typically without a hearing, and before you’ve had an opportunity to be heard), the judge may issue an Order to Show Cause, wherein you will be ordered to appear before the judge at an upcoming hearing and show cause why you should not be held in contempt of court. When you are served with an order to show cause, you must appear at the hearing, or be subject to arrest.
The two types of contempt – civil and criminal – described below.
Civil Contempt
When a judge orders something to be done, he or she expects for it to be done. By choosing not to follow the judge’s orders, you can be held in civil contempt. Civil contempt is used when you could still follow the order, but haven’t so far, but you can still perform what has been ordered. For example, if you have been ordered to pay a certain amount of money per month for child support and you fail to pay that amount when you had resources to pay it, you can be held in civil contempt. The judge would order that you go to jail until you have paid what you owe. Your release date (up to 90 days) depends entirely on you.
Criminal Contempt
Criminal contempt is used when you’ve done something in the past (an act or inaction that cannot be undone). The purpose of criminal contempt is punishment. If you have been disrespectful in the courtroom, the judge can charge you with criminal contempt. Some examples of causes for criminal contempt charges are:
- Refusing to allow your ex to visit with the children when ordered to do so
- Disrespecting the judge
- Interrupting court proceedings
- Disobeying a court order
- Refusing to answer a question on the witness stand
- Improper communication with a juror
- Publishing a recklessly inaccurate account of court proceedings
- Refusing to be sworn in to testify
Do You Need Help?
If you still have questions about contempt issues in North Carolina, Village Law Group can help. Whether you have been served with a motion for contempt or order to show cause, or would like to request your former spouse be held in contempt, we can help. To learn more about what we can do for you, give us a call today at 919-525-2854 or contact us online.
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