Contempt Actions

Atlanta-Marietta Family Law Attorneys

In Georgia, a divorce judgment or order can be enforced through an action for contempt. Anyone found in contempt of court is subject to a number of consequences, including jail time. The lawyers at Stearns-Montgomery & Associates represent clients in the Atlanta metro area who wish to enforce divorce judgments or orders. We also defend people who are subject to contempt actions.

The following are examples of contempt actions:

• If a parent has not been paying child support, a contempt action can result in that parent being jailed until he or she provides full payment of all amounts past due.
• If a spouse refuses to turn over an asset such as stock or other property subject to a property division order, he or she can be found in contempt of court and jailed until the asset is turned over.
• If a custodial parent refuses to provide visitation to the noncustodial parent, he or she can be found in contempt of the child custody order. Refusal to provide visitation can also be used as possible grounds for a modification in child custody.
• If a noncustodial parent refuses to return a child following a scheduled visit, he or she can be found in contempt.
• If a spouse refuses to pay temporary or permanent alimony as ordered by the court, he or she can be found in contempt.

There are defenses in contempt actions. For example, when a father or mother is falling behind significantly in child support payments, our lawyers will help negotiate a payment plan to avoid jail time. In Georgia, contempt actions are tried by a family law judge who will review the merits and possible defenses of the case.

Speak with a caring family law attorney: Call Stearns-Montgomery & Associates today at (770) 426-1148 or fill out our simple contact form. We have law offices in Atlanta and Marietta.