CONTEMPT OF COURT COLORADO
When you divorce your ex-spouse, it’s important to follow the terms outlined in your divorce decree. If you don’t, you could be found in contempt of court and face serious penalties. In Colorado, several different instances can be considered contempt of court.
Here are a few common examples:
· Refusing to pay child support or alimony payments as ordered by the courts
· Not allowing visitation with your children as required by the courts
· Violating a custody order by declining to return your children at the designated time or taking them out of state without permission from the court.
If you fail to comply with any part of your divorce agreement, you may be held in contempt of court. This could lead to fines, jail time, or other penalties, depending on the severity of your actions and the situation. You may have a valid reason for not following your divorce decree that is outside of your control but until you can come up with a solution, it’s best to adhere to any orders set by the court.
WHY DOESN'T MY EX FOLLOW THE DIVORCE DECREE?
There could be various reasons why someone may not follow a divorce decree. It could be that they disagree with the terms outlined in the order, or they may not fully understand their responsibilities. Additionally, some individuals deliberately avoid following the terms to get revenge on their ex-partner.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that ignoring a divorce decree can have severe consequences, and it’s best to address any issues or concerns with your contempt of court Colorado Springs lawyer.
THE SOLUTION IS OFTEN A CONTEMPT OF COURT MOTION
Contempt of court in divorce cases occurs when one party disobeys court orders, such as failing to pay alimony or not following custody agreements. Filing a motion for contempt is the process by which a party can hold the other party accountable for their actions and ask the court to enforce its prior orders.
Before filing, gather evidence of the offending behavior, such as missed alimony payments or denial of parenting time. Then, consult with a lawyer to ensure that all proper steps are taken and to represent you in court. If the court finds the offending party in contempt, they may face penalties such as fines or jail time. It is ultimately up to the judge to decide on an appropriate punishment.
Remember, filing for contempt should only be used as a last resort when other methods of resolving the issue have failed. Before moving forward with this legal action, it is essential to consider the potential consequences and impact on both parties.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A CONTEMPT OF COURT HEARING?
At a contempt of court hearing, the offending party will have an opportunity to defend themselves and present any evidence they may have. The judge will then review all evidence and determine if the party is, in fact, in contempt of the court order. If so, they may face penalties such as fines or jail time. It is ultimately up to the judge to decide on an appropriate punishment. Both parties will also discuss potential solutions to ensure compliance with the divorce decree in the future.
DO COLORADO COURTS ALWAYS IMPOSE SANCTIONS?
No. In Colorado, the court has broad discretion in determining an appropriate punishment for contempt of court violations. While some courts may impose sanctions on a case-by-case basis, others may opt to refer the matter to alternative dispute resolution or dismiss the charges altogether. Factors such as the nature of the violation, prior offenses, and each party’s circumstances will be taken into consideration when making this decision.
Regardless of the outcome of your hearing, it is important to remember that failure to comply with a divorce decree can have serious consequences. If you are struggling with an ex-spouse who is not following court orders, it is best to consult with your lawyer as soon as possible for guidance and support. With the right legal assistance, you can ensure that your divorce decree is properly enforced and resolve any issues with your ex-spouse.
WILL THE COURT CONSIDER THE CHILD'S BEST INTERESTS?
Yes. In a contempt of court hearing related to divorce and child custody, the judge will always prioritize the best interests of the child. This may include evaluating factors such as each party’s history with parenting, their relationship with the child, and their ability to comply with previous orders. Ultimately, the judge will decide on an appropriate punishment that reflects these considerations and ensures that the child is safe and supported.
If you are concerned about your ex-spouse failing to follow a divorce decree or court order related to your child, it is important to work closely with your lawyer to protect your rights and advocate for what is best for your child. With legal guidance and support, you can ensure that any issues are dealt with in a timely, fair, and appropriate manner.
AVOIDING A CONTEMPT OF COURT ACTION
The best way to avoid a future contempt of court charge is to thoroughly review and understand the terms outlined in the divorce decree. If there is any confusion or disagreement with these terms, you must address them with your ex-spouse and lawyer before the divorce is finalized.
Additionally, consistently following the decree’s terms and communicating with your ex-spouse when issues arise can help prevent potential consequences for disobedience. It may also be helpful to work with a mediator or therapist during and after the divorce process to handle disputes and improve communication. Ultimately, taking proactive steps and addressing issues as they come up can help avoid the need for a contempt of court motion.
HOW A FAMILY LAWYER CAN HELP WITH A CONTEMPT OF COURT MOTION
A family lawyer can assist with filing a motion for contempt by ensuring that all necessary evidence is gathered and the proper steps are taken. They can also represent you in court and argue on your behalf to show the offending party’s disobedience of court orders.
Additionally, a lawyer can offer guidance on potential consequences and help negotiate a resolution outside of court, if possible. Overall, working with a lawyer can help provide the best chance of success in holding the other party accountable for their actions.
Moran, Allen & Associates can help you file a contempt of court motion if you feel the other party is not following a court order. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can assist you. Additionally, our experienced attorneys can help with any other family law matters you may be facing. Give us a call now to learn more about our services.
