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Contempt

Contempt

Upholding Your Rights

‍When court orders are ignored, enforcement is essential. The Goodman Law Firm takes swift action to uphold custody, support, and other orders to protect your rights and ensure accountability.

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In the family law context, contempt of court typically involves an allegation that someone knowingly and willfully failed to follow a valid court order. Whether you need to enforce an order or you’re accused of violating one, we handle both enforcement and defense of contempt matters in Mecklenburg County and surrounding counties.

Which situation fits you?

I need to enforce a court order

  • Missed child support or alimony payments
  • Custody/visitation schedule not followed
  • Refusal to comply with specific terms of the order
  • Need the court to compel action
Enforce an Order

I’m accused of violating a court order

  • Behind on payments or struggling to comply
  • Accused of ignoring a custody or visitation schedule
  • Concerned about fines or jail time
  • Need a practical path to resolve the issue
Defend an Allegation

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What is “contempt” in North Carolina?

Contempt generally means a person knowingly and willfully disobeyed a valid court order. In family law cases, the alleged violation often involves child support, spousal support, or custody/visitation. Contempt can be civil (used to compel compliance going forward) or criminal (used to punish past disobedience).


Possible consequences, which vary depending on the circumstances and type of contempt involved, may include censure by the court, monetary fines, wage withholding/garnishment, make-up parenting time, attorney’s fees, fines, and/or jail time.

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How we help (two clear paths)

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If you need to enforce an order

  • Strategy session: review your order(s), timeline, and proof of violations
  • File & serve: contempt motion and supporting evidence
  • Hearing preparation: exhibits, witnesses, and compliance plan to request
  • Court advocacy: seek enforcement tools such as wage withholding, make-up time, fees, sanctions, and jail time
  • Follow-through: monitor compliance and adjust orders if needed/when appropriate
Start Enforcement

If you need to defend against an allegation

  • Case review: what the order requires vs. what happened
  • Evidence: payments, messages, schedules, valid reasons
  • Compliance plan: realistic plan to cure issues and show willingness
  • Court advocacy: challenge “willfulness,” advocate for fair, workable outcomes, avoid harsh penalties
  • Post-hearing: keep you on track; update orders if circumstances changed
Start Defense

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What to bring to your consultation with The Goodman Law Firm

  • The most recent court order(s)
  • A timeline with key dates (who did what, and when)
  • Proof: payment records, bank/ payroll docs, emails/messages, calendars, screenshots
  • Any prior motions, notices, or orders related to enforcement or contempt 

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Possible outcomes

  • Payments enforced (wage withholding or payment plans)
  • Make-up parenting time or clarified schedule terms
  • Attorney’s fees (when appropriate)
  • Fines
  • Jail time
  • No contempt finding (if the court isn’t convinced it was willful)

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Why choose Goodman Law

  • NC Family-Law Focus: Our attorneys are familiar with state law, local practices, and practical expectations.
  • Strategic Game Plans: We provide clear plans with practical strategies for enforcement and defense. 
  • Options Before Escalation: We’re ready for hearings — and smart settlements. Targeted negotiation where it helps; litigation when it counts.
  • Courtroom Advocacy: We believe in evidence-driven preparations and presentations 
  • Straight Talk: We provide plain-English guidance and steady updates.

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FAQs

How quickly can contempt be addressed?

Timelines vary by county and court calendars. We move promptly to file and request the earliest realistic hearing availability when appropriate.

Will I go to jail?

Jail is uncommon and typically reserved for serious or repeated violations. Many matters resolve with compliance plans, payments, or make-up time.

What if I couldn’t comply for a good reason?

The court looks at willfulness. If you lacked the ability to comply—and can show it—that can be a strong defense.

Can I recover attorney’s fees?

Sometimes, yes—particularly in support and custody enforcement matters. We’ll advise based on your facts.

Do I need to modify the order?

Sometimes. If the order is unclear or outdated, clarifying or modifying it can prevent future problems.

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Connect

We’re Here When You Need Us

Family law challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Let’s talk. Reach out today, and let’s take the next step together.

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