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Contempt of Court for Refusing to Comply with a Divorce Order
Divorce settlements often contain orders regarding property division, debt payment, the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, spousal support, and other matters. One concern many people getting a divorce have is whether their soon-to-be ex-spouse will actually comply with the terms contained in the divorce settlement or judgment. It is important to remember that court orders are not optional. If an individual deliberately refuses to follow a court order, including orders related to divorce, he or she can be charged with contempt of court.
Contempt Charges for Failing to Comply with a Property Division Order
When you get divorced, you will be expected to fulfill the obligations specified in your property division order. For example, you may be required to make mortgage payments, pay off a shared credit card, or submit certain property to your former spouse. If you purposely do not follow the directions in your property division order, you may be held in contempt of court. The possible penalties for contempt of court include steep fines and even jail time.
Nonpayment of Spousal Support or Child Support
If a divorce settlement includes an order for spousal maintenance, also called spousal support or alimony, the paying party is expected to make these payments in full and on time. This same is true for child support payments. If a paying party intentionally fails to make these payments, he or she can potentially be charged with contempt of court. However, if the paying party cannot make these payments because of a major change in circumstances, such as a job loss, he or she will most likely not face contempt charges. If you are a parent who is struggling to make child support or spousal maintenance payments, never simply stop payments. You may be able to obtain a modified order if the circumstances warrant it. Furthermore, it is very important that you follow directions regarding parental responsibilities and parenting time contained in your parenting plan. Deliberate failure to do so can also result in contempt charges.
Contact a Kane County Post-Divorce Enforcement Lawyer
The directions contained in a court order are mandatory. Failure to comply with these directions can result in serious consequences. If your former spouse is refusing to follow the orders contained in your divorce settlement or you want to request a post-divorce modification, we can help. Contact Shaw Sanders, P.C. at 630-584-5550 today and schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable St. Charles family law attorney.
Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K505.htm
https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/parents/Pages/Modifications.aspx
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