Once the case is instituted in the Family Court, there may be Motions and contempt hearings before the final trial of the case. The Motions hearings involve discovery, modification or enforcement of previous Orders and the like. Contempt hearings are also typical. Contempt matters generally involve enforcement of prior Court-approved Agreements or Orders. For instance, if your spouse does not pay the support ordered, the Court has the power to not only order the payment of support, but can also find your spouse in contempt, sentence him or her to a period of confinement in a local jail of up to twelve months, impose a fine, or both. Family Court agreements and Orders should be treated reverently. The penalties involved in failure to comply can be substantial.
