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Contempt

Contempt Cases

After a court issues a Court Order, the parties are subject to the ruling as decided by the court. The parties are therefore ordered to follow the court's order. If a party does not follow the order, and intentionally disregards the court order, in favor of what they want to do then they could be held in contempt of the court order. 

Contempt cases begin after a party files a petition for contempt, stating what one party has done to disregard the court's order. The court will often set a Show Cause Hearing to allow both parties to present or defend against the allegation of contempt. If contempt is proven, then the court can proceed with an available remedy to resolve the contempt. 

It is codified in Maryland law, that a court may exercise the power to punish for contempt of court or to compel compliance with its commands in the manner prescribed by the Maryland Rules. The person who has filed for contempt must state whether jail of the other person is sought for the contempt, and to enforce the parties Court Order. If incarceration is sought then the person alleged to be in contempt has a right to have counsel for the hearing on contempt. 

If a party is held in contempt of court, the court may provide the party an opportunity to purge the contempt and provide a purge provision. 

Working with an attorney to pursue contempt or defend against contempt could be helpful in explaining the process and procedure necessary when a contempt case is contemplated, or a Show Cause Hearing is held. The attorneys at Jerry Williams, III, LLC are experienced in handling contempt cases and issues, and conveniently located in Annapolis, Maryland with satellite offices in Baltimore, Maryland and provides a range of family law services across the State of Maryland including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Howard, and Prince George's County. Contact our office today to set up a phone consultation to assist with your contempt matter.

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