I asked the court to help me because my ex isn’t letting me see our daughter when it’s my turn. We’re supposed to share her equally, but she’s not following that. I haven’t been given a date for the court yet, but since I asked for help, my ex has been even more stubborn about it. I’m worried because I’m missing out on time with our daughter, and it’s affecting our relationship and her schoolwork.
When we do go to court, will they take this seriously? All I want is to make up the missed time with our daughter and for the judge to make my ex follow the rules. I’ve heard some people say that the consequences are not very serious, but then I read an article saying that judges do take this seriously. So, what should I expect to happen?
Contempt of court is a serious matter in Florida, as it is in many jurisdictions, and it can yield significant consequences for the party found to be in contempt. In the context of family law, contempt typically arises when a party fails to comply with a court order, such as a child support or custody order. Here’s how contempt works and what results it can yield in Florida:
Definition of Contempt: Contempt of court occurs when a party willfully disobeys a court order, fails to comply with a court’s directive, or otherwise obstructs the administration of justice.
Types of Contempt: In Florida, contempt can be categorized as civil or criminal. Civil contempt is typically used to compel compliance with a court order or to compensate the other party for losses resulting from non-compliance. Criminal contempt is punitive in nature and may result in fines or imprisonment.
Contempt Proceedings: Contempt proceedings in Florida typically begin when a party files a motion with the court alleging that the other party is in contempt of a court order. The court will then schedule a hearing to allow both parties to present evidence and arguments.
Consequences of Contempt: If the court finds that a party is in contempt, it can impose a variety of sanctions, including fines, attorney’s fees, and other costs. In cases of civil contempt, the court may also order the non-compliant party to take specific actions to remedy the violation of the court order. In cases of criminal contempt, the court may impose fines or even jail time.
Enforcement of Contempt Orders: Once a party has been found in contempt and the court has issued an order imposing sanctions, the contempt order can be enforced through various means, such as wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or other legal remedies.
Overall, while contempt proceedings can yield results in Florida by compelling compliance with court orders and holding parties accountable for their actions, it’s essential to navigate them carefully with the assistance of a qualified attorney familiar with Florida family law. A knowledgeable attorney can provide guidance on the legal process, advocate for your rights, and help you achieve your desired outcomes.