Contempt of Court

Legal action brought when the plaintiff/petitioner alleges a willful failure to obey a court order or judgment. Most such complaints are filed against husbands or ex-husbands for failure to make support payments. The defendant is generally entitled to an evidentiary hearing (trial) since he faces possible incarceration. Even where the court finds the defendant guilty of contempt, defendants are usually given the opportunity to comply with the violated order, or "purge the contempt." Jail is an extraordinary remedy. Remember, the object is not to kill the golden goose; jailbirds can’t pay support.
To commence a contempt proceeding in many jurisdictions a complaint for contempt must be filed with the court, and a copy of the complaint, along with a summons, must be served on the defendant.