How to Make Them Follow the Rules (Without a Lawyer!)
Alright, so you went to court, got a legitimation order, custody agreement, child support ruling, or some other official court order. Great! But now, the other person (ex, co-parent, or “professional excuse-maker”) is ignoring it—acting like court orders are suggestions instead of laws.
That’s where Contempt of Court comes in. It’s the legal way to tell the judge, “Hey, they’re not following the rules—DO something about it!” And trust me, courts do not like it when people ignore their orders.
What is Contempt of Court? (And Why Is It Necessary?)
Think of a court order like a contract with the judge—both parties must follow it. If someone refuses, they’re in contempt of court, meaning they’re disobeying a legal order, and the judge can punish them.
Contempt is necessary because:
✅ It forces people to follow court orders (because “I don’t feel like it” isn’t a valid excuse).
✅ It holds them accountable (with fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time).
✅ It protects your rights (because what’s the point of a custody or support order if they just ignore it?).
Basically, contempt is how you remind the other person that court orders aren’t optional.
Filing for contempt isn’t about revenge—it’s about making sure court orders are respected. If someone isn’t holding up their end of the deal, you have the power to enforce it.
Pro-Se Institute can help you with your contempt of court case – Enroll Now!