Super Lawyers
Dallas 500
Best D 2023
Best Law Firms 2021
500 Leading Family Lawyers
Best of the Best Attorneys
Board Certified
International Advisory Experts
Best Lawyers Under 40
Dynamic Women in Dallas
Expertise.com Best Family Lawyers in Dallas 2022
top attorneys Forth Worth Magazine
Leaders in Law
Power Players
NAFLA
National Diversity Council
Adam Mundt Certified Public
Super Lawyers badge
Top 50 Attorneys in Texas
Top 100 Attorneys in Texas
Top 50 Women Attorneys in Texas
Best D 2023 - 20 Years
Top 10 Blog Posts
Women Leaders in Law
Top 10 Dallas
Best of the Best Attorneys
Collaborative Divorce Texas
Certified
Family Law Top 10
Top Rated Women
Best Lawyers 2022

Contempt in Family-Law Cases

Dallas Family-Law Lawyers Assisting People in Family-Law Disputes

It is not uncommon for people involved in family-law disputes to disagree with orders issued by the courts. They must abide by them, though; otherwise, the opposing party can move for enforcement, which may include a request to hold the non-compliant party in contempt of court. Being held in contempt is a severe penalty that should not be regarded lightly, as it can not only impair a person’s rights in the context of their family-law case, but can also impact other aspects of their lives. If you have questions regarding a motion for enforcement by contempt in a family-law proceeding, it is critical to meet with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. The dedicated Dallas family-law attorneys of McClure Law Group are mindful of the ramifications of failing to comply with court orders, and if you hire us, we will fight to help you seek a just outcome.

Grounds for Holding People in Contempt in Family-Law Cases

In family-law matters, parties can seek enforcement of visitation, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division orders. In many cases, a motion for enforcement will include a request for contempt. For a court to enforce an order by holding a party in contempt, the order in question must be unambiguous, specific, and clear.

The Texas Family Code (the “Code”) dictates that a motion requesting contempt for failure to pay child support must include the amount owed according to the order in question, the amount paid, the amount in arrears, and must indicate the part of the order violated, and for each date of alleged contempt, the amount due and paid. Similarly, the Code states that a motion to enforce the conditions and terms of an order defining conservatorship or possession and access must set forth the date, time, and place of each alleged failure to comply with the order. The Code does not establish any specific parameters for what a party seeking enforcement of a spousal maintenance or other post-divorce decree order via contempt must include in their motion.

If the court finds a person in contempt of an order issued in a family-law case, it may order the person to pay a fine, send them to jail, or impose both penalties. Whether a party will be sent to jail for failing to pay a support obligation or comply with a property division order depends on how the courts characterize the amount owed, as, under Texas law, parties cannot be jailed for failing to pay debts. Notably, the Texas courts have specifically held that child-support obligations are duties, not debts.

Defenses to Requests for Contempt in Family-Law Cases

In many cases, a party faced with being held in contempt in a family-law matter will argue that the underlying order is not sufficiently specific and, therefore, they cannot be held in contempt. For example, if an order dictating possession and access does not set forth dates and times for custody exchanges, a party may be able to argue that they cannot be held in contempt for violating the order. Other defenses may be available, as well, depending on the facts of the case. For example, it is a defense that a party lacked the ability to provide spousal maintenance in the amount ordered by the court, and could not borrow, raise, or otherwise obtain the funds needed. It is also an affirmative defense to a motion for contempt for failing to abide by an order defining possession and access that the moving party voluntarily renounced actual possession and control of the child.

Speak to an Assertive Dallas Lawyer

Parties in family-law cases are bound by any orders issued by the courts, and, if they refuse to abide by them, they can be held in contempt. If you need assistance responding to or filing a request for contempt, it is in your best interest to speak to an attorney promptly. The assertive Dallas lawyers of McClure Law Group are proficient at helping people protect their interests in family-law matters, and if we represent you, we will advocate zealously on your behalf. We represent parties in family-law cases in Dallas, Rockwall, Fort Worth, Frisco, Irving, McKinney, Richardson, and Garland. We also help people handle family-law matters in cities in Dallas, Rockwall, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Grayson Counties. You can reach us by calling 214.692.8200 or via our online form to schedule a confidential meeting.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"McClure Law Group was very professional and responsive. They listened to my concerns and desires as it pertains to the service requested and I'm very pleased." Jade Nguyen
★★★★★
"Kelly and her team are always a pleasure to work with, and their work product always exceeds one’s expectations." George Tamke
★★★★★
"When I most needed professional, good quality responses McClure Law Group was there. Thank you for the service that I have received from everyone!" Norma Charles
★★★★★
"McClure Law Group’s team is very responsive! I have very much appreciated their communication. They are always on top of what is happening and return my calls or emails quickly." Brie Cherry
★★★★★
"Kelly McClure has been representing me for the past several years and has been an amazing advocate, confidant and sounding board. She is always available by phone, even when she is on vacation. She has answered my questions on weekends and always given me an honest opinion. I highly recommend this group to anyone." Heather Bell
★★★★★
"The McClure Law Group helped me through a very difficult divorce and they definitely had my back every step of the way. I couldn’t recommend the team enough!" Shell A.
★★★★★
"I could not be happier to have had McClure Law. I truly appreciate their accessibility and patience. I can tell they are very knowledgeable, and I trust their guidance. I am SO thankful I went with great lawyers to handle my family case." Victor Lollar
★★★★★
"Kelly is detailed oriented and she truly cares about her clients. Her knowledge of the laws and her ability to get a case resolved make her stand far above others. I highly recommend McClure for your family law needs!" Peter Morgan