Charged With Failing to Pay Court Ordered Child Support or Alimony in Massachusetts? Need a Lawyer?
In the context of divorce, a finding of contempt by a court means that the individual has been shown to have violated a clear order by the court when he or she was able to comply with that order. In Massachusetts, this can refer to parents who failed to pay child or spousal support, hid financial information or lied during discovery, or was uncooperative in carrying out the provisions of a parenting plan by refusing to allow visitation.
Defending Against Contempt Proceedings
The attorneys at The Massachusetts Family Law Group (MFLG) represent both sides, helping parents who seek to enforce court orders as well as those who are facing contempt proceedings. We offer sound advice and skilled advocacy in such matters. It is especially important to have aggressive representation when facing contempt proceedings, as the penalties could be stiff; each instance of contempt could result in separate and distinct sanction, punishment or jail sentence. For example, failing to pay court-ordered child support, provide health care, and pay spousal support could mean three contempt charges and three jail sentences. Tax returns could be withheld, Massachusetts driver's licenses suspended, and wages garnished. The stakes can be very high.
Enforcing Court Orders Through Contempt Hearings
In addition to helping clients enforce provisions in the Separation Agreements, our attorneys also help enforce temporary orders for child support and spousal support by pursuing contempt actions against the delinquent party. We also seek payment of attorney's fees and court costs if we need to go to court to obtain the cooperation of the other party. We can also try to enter liens on bank accounts or property in our effort to secure compliance from the other party.
The Home-Court Advantage
We appear in the Probate and Family Courts in Eastern Massachusetts almost every day. We know the different procedures and processes that are used in each courtroom. We can anticipate how a particular judge might respond to a motion or proposal in a contempt matter. Our clients benefit enormously from the home-court advantage they receive at our firm.
Each of Our Lawyers is an Experienced, Trial-Tested Courtroom Attorney
In one year, our attorneys are involved in more contempt matters than most general practice lawyers are in five. We are often able to change the entire direction of a case and achieve what seems to the client to be "the impossible dream". We are sought-after litigators, in-demand for our aggressive and focused representation in all domestic relations matters, including contempts.
For more information about contempt proceedings, call our Boston contempt hearings lawyers at (800) 763-1030 or send an e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation. We advocate for clients in contempt matters throughout Eastern Massachusetts, including Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties.
