How To Win Your Divorce By Filing For Contempt

If you are reading this article, then there is a high probability that you and your ex are engaged in a contested divorce. The problem with contested divorce is that sometimes they can last eighteen months, twenty four months, or even longer. If this is you, then listen up because we might have a solution for you. rnIn the typical divorce, the ultimate goal is to get to a final decree. Generally speaking, there are two ways to get to a final decree: number one, by settling outside of court; and number two, by putting on a trial in the court room and letting the judge decide each one of the unresolved issues. Because you and your ex are engaged in a contested divorce, number one is not an option. Realistically, number two is probably the only way that you will ever be able to finalize the divorce. Before you and your attorney prepare for trial, pause for a second and ask yourself, did the judge ever enter a temporary order or other binding order on the record in the divorce. For example, a temporary order might command your ex to pay temporary child support or temporary alimony. An example of an ‘other binding order' would be if the judge commanded your ex to attend a parenting class or an anger management class. If the judge did enter a temporary order or other binding order on the record, then ask yourself, ‘Have I complied with the order? Has my ex complied with the order?' If you have complied and your ex has not then you should seriously consider filing for contempt of court against your ex.rnWhat exactly is contempt of court? Contempt of court is a crime that exists by law in most jurisdictions. In technical legal jargon, it is a misdemeanor that in most jurisdictions carries with it a maximum jail sentence of six months and a maximum fine of five hundred dollars. Still interested? If yes, ask your attorney about your options for filing for contempt of court. Your attorney, assuming they are an experienced attorney, will know the best way to proceed.