Custody Order Contempt Actions

Summary

If a parent in Clinton County, PA, is in contempt of a custody order, document violations and file a petition for contempt. The court will schedule a hearing, and penalties may include fines, custody changes, or jail time. For 50/50 custody issues, gather evidence of non-compliance and consult a legal professional. Prepare by documenting each violation and be ready to present this information in court.

Full Conversation

I need help understanding my custody order and what to do with parent in contempt
Hello ****, I'm here to help you. Firstly, can you please tell me in which jurisdiction your custody order was issued? This is important as family laws can vary significantly by location.
Clinton county PA
Hello ****, in Clinton County PA, if a parent is in contempt of a custody order:
- Document the violations.
- File a petition for contempt with the court.
- The court will schedule a hearing.
If found in contempt, the violating parent may face penalties like fines, custody changes, or even jail time.
Can you assist me in understanding my custody order
Of course, ****. To understand your custody order, you should:
- Read the order carefully.
- Note the type of custody granted (joint, sole, etc).
- Identify visitation rights and schedules.
- Understand the specific conditions and limitations.
Are there any specific parts of the order you're struggling with?
Our order does not state specific dates or times to have visitations.
In such a case, ****, it's usually understood that the parents must work out a reasonable schedule amongst themselves. If this proves difficult, you may request the court to modify the order to include specific visitation times.
So because we have */* custody (based on what we both agree upon) and he is keeping my child from me, can I file for contempt or do I file for something else?
Hello ****, if the other parent is not complying with the agreed */* custody and withholding the child, you can:
- Document each instance.
- File a petition for contempt with the court.
The court will then schedule a hearing to address the issue.
How do I prepare?
To prepare for a contempt hearing in Clinton County, PA, you should:
- Gather evidence (texts, emails, etc.) of the other parent's non-compliance.
- Consult with a legal professional.
- Write a detailed account of each violation.
- Be ready to provide this information in court.