In family law, civil contempt is one way a court enforces alimony, child support, custody, and visitation orders that have been violated.
Contempt of court refers generally to anyone who willful disobeys or disregards, a court order or any misconduct in the presence of a court. This also includes any action that hinders a judge’s capability to administer justice or that insults the self-respect of the court. Contempt of court is punishable by fine or imprisonment or both.
Civil contempt occurs when the contemnor willfully disobeys a court order. Such as not paying child support or not abiding by stipulations that have been laid out in a court order. This is also called indirect contempt because it happens outside the judge’s presence and evidence must be presented to the judge to prove the contempt
