Contempt of Court
San Jose Divorce Lawyer
Contempt of Court
While facing the stress and emotional pain of divorce, some people find it difficult to maintain normal or even polite behavior. It is very important to do so, however. Under California law, violating a legal agreement or behaving disrespectfully towards anyone during court proceedings is called contempt of court, and it does have legal consequences.
What Counts as Contempt of Court
Divorce generally requires both parties involved to follow a number of legal arrangements concerning finances, support, and any children who may be involved. Any deliberate violation of one of these agreements is considered contempt of court. A few examples are:
- Changing insurance policies without notifying the other party
- Giving away or selling any property that should be shared between the parties
- Failure to disclose financial information
In California, mistreatment of children can also be reprimanded by divorce courts. For example, using children to relay messages to the other party or involving them in divorce proceedings in any inappropriate way can be considered contempt of court. Failure to make required payments, such as alimony or child support, also qualifies.
How Contempt of Court is Punished
Contempt of court can be penalized by five days in jail. This sentence can be given in addition to penalties for related transgressions, such as a failure to pay child support for six consecutive months, which is punishable by a suspended driver’s license and even jail time. California courts take a failure to meet legal obligations very seriously.
Contact a Boca Raton Contempt of Court Attorney
If your former spouse has committed contempt of court, or if you are facing such charges yourself, contact the offices of San Jose contempt of court attorney Daniel Jensen at 408-296-4100 today.
