Contempt.
When Court Orders Aren’t Being Followed.
Court orders matter. Whether they involve child support, custody, parenting time, or other divorce terms, these orders are legally binding—and when someone refuses to follow them, it can create stress, confusion, and real harm.
At Poppy Legal Group, we help clients across Massachusetts file and respond to contempt actions. Whether you’re struggling to enforce a court order or have been accused of non-compliance, our team is here to advocate for your rights and help restore clarity and accountability.
What Is a Complaint for Contempt?
A Complaint for Contempt is a legal filing that tells the court someone has violated a valid court order. Contempt can arise in many areas of family law, including:
Failure to pay child support
Not following a parenting schedule or custody order
Ignoring court-ordered alimony payments
Violating provisions in a divorce agreement or judgment
Withholding important documents, reimbursements, or access
To be found in contempt, the violation must be willful, and the underlying order must be clear, specific, and still in effect.
Common Contempt Scenarios
Contempt actions can involve:
A parent regularly missing visits or refusing to return the child on time
An ex-spouse stopping alimony payments without legal justification
One party refusing to comply with a court-ordered exchange of property
Failure to maintain health insurance for a child as ordered
These situations are not only frustrating—they can have legal and financial consequences. We help you determine whether contempt is appropriate and how best to present your case.
What Happens After a Complaint for Contempt Is Filed?
Filing: The complaint is filed with the court where the original order was issued.
Service: The other party is served with the complaint and notified of the court date.
Hearing: Both parties appear in court to present their case. The judge will decide whether contempt occurred and what remedy is appropriate.
Potential Outcomes: The court may issue enforcement orders, payment plans, makeup parenting time, or in some cases, fines or other sanctions.
In serious or repeated violations, the court may take stronger action—but the goal is usually to secure compliance, not punishment.
Responding to a Contempt Complaint
If you’ve been served with a Complaint for Contempt, it’s important to take it seriously—but it doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. We can help you:
Explain your side of the story
Show evidence of attempts to comply or valid reasons for non-compliance
Seek to resolve the issue and avoid escalation
Sometimes, a contempt complaint results from a misunderstanding, vague language in the original order, or circumstances beyond your control. We’ll help make sure the court understands the full picture.
How Poppy Legal Group Can Help
Contempt matters can be stressful—but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re trying to enforce an order or defend against an accusation of non-compliance, our attorneys bring experience, strategy, and steady support to the table.
We work to resolve issues efficiently and respectfully, keeping your family’s best interests at the center—while making sure the court’s orders are followed and enforced.
