Contempt of Court
Contempt of court happens when someone disobeys a court order or disrupts the court's authority. In a Florida divorce, it most often comes up when a person ignores orders to pay alimony or child support, refuses to follow the parenting plan, or won't turn over required financial documents. A judge who finds someone in contempt can impose penalties such as fines, makeup time-sharing, payment of the other side's attorney's fees, or even jail in serious cases.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Legal Definition
A finding that a party has willfully failed to comply with a lawful court order despite having the ability to comply, authorizing the court to impose civil or criminal sanctions to compel obedience or punish the violation.
Example
When he stopped paying support for three months, she filed a motion for contempt of court to enforce the order.
Related Statutes
- 61.14
- 61.13
Related Terms
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