georgia contempt

In Georgia, family law contempt occurs when a party willfully disobeys a court order involving child support, alimony, child custody, visitation, or property division. To establish contempt, the court must find that a valid order exists and that the other party intentionally failed to comply despite having the ability to do so. Because contempt actions can carry serious consequences—including fines, make-up parenting time, payment of attorney’s fees, or even jail time—it is essential to have experienced legal representation on your side.

At Jaffe Family Law, we help clients throughout Georgia pursue or defend against contempt actions in family law matters. Whether your former spouse has refused to pay court-ordered support, violated a parenting plan, or failed to follow the terms of a divorce decree, our attorneys work diligently to protect your rights and enforce court orders. We also represent individuals who have been accused of contempt, ensuring their side of the story is heard and that any defenses are presented effectively.

Contempt cases commonly arise from unpaid child support or alimony, interference with custody or visitation, and failure to comply with property division orders. This may include refusing to transfer assets, neglecting to pay assigned debts, or failing to sell property as required by a divorce judgment. Other violations can involve disobeying temporary protective orders or refusing to provide required financial documentation. No matter the issue, Jaffe Family Law provides strategic guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Under Georgia law, willfulness is a key element of any contempt finding. The court must determine that the violating party had the ability to comply with the order but chose not to. Most family law contempt cases are civil in nature, meaning they are designed to compel compliance rather than punish. However, the consequences can still be severe. Judges may impose monetary fines, award attorney’s fees to the filing party, order corrective action such as make-up parenting time, or incarcerate the non-compliant party until they comply with the court’s directives.

The contempt process typically begins with filing a motion for contempt, followed by a court hearing where both sides present evidence and testimony. Having a knowledgeable Georgia family law attorney can make a critical difference in how your case is resolved. At Jaffe Family Law, we prepare thoroughly, advocate aggressively, and focus on achieving practical results for our clients.

Jaffe Family Law proudly serves individuals and families across the entire state of Georgia, including Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, Athens, and surrounding communities. If you are dealing with a family law contempt issue—whether enforcing a court order or defending against a contempt allegation—contact Jaffe Family Law today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how our experienced Georgia family law attorneys can help protect your interests and move your case forward.

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