Divorce can involve multiple temporary or permanent court orders with which individuals must comply. Sometimes people get angry about these orders or confused by them, but one thing everyone must understand is that there are penalties for violating them.Below, we discuss various ways people violate court orders and what the penalties are for doing so.
SUPPORT ORDER VIOLATIONS
Divorce can trigger two types of financial support orders: child support and spousal support. Some of the common ways people violate these orders:
- Failing to make payments in full
- Wrongfully withholding payments
- Misusing funds
- Withholding support because of custody violations
If you or your ex engages in this type of misconduct, there can be consequences. Depending on the order and violation details, a person could face wage garnishment, license suspension, and potentially jail time for contempt of court.
CHILD CUSTODY OR VISITATION VIOLATIONS
safety concerns during a divorce, the courts may grant a protective order. These orders can require a potentially dangerous party to leave home, stay away from the other party or stop specific actions.
Too often, people violate these orders by:
- Calling, stalking or otherwise harassing someone
- Refusing to leave a restricted space
- Attempting to contact children outside of approved times
- Making threats or physically assaulting someone
Under these circumstances, a person in violation of a protective order could face misdemeanor charges, fines and jail time.
UNDERSTANDING AND COMPLYING WITH COURT ORDERS
It is never wise to defy a court order. If you have concerns that your ex or you might not follow the rules or are unsure what an order means, seeking legal clarification and guidance as soon as possible is essential.
