21 McGrath Highway Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram

Bruce L. Watson & Associates

Powerful Divorce Representation. Compassionate Family Law Attorneys.

Call For A Free Consultation
617-773-4111
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Menu
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation

Charged with Contempt in Massachusetts For Not Paying Child Support

Posted by Attorney Bruce Watson –

Have you been suddenly charged with contempt in Massachusetts for not paying your child support that was ordered by the court after you and your spouse divorced? Perhaps it’s in reverse and you’re filing for contempt against your spouse for not doing what was required with a court order. Either way, it’s a contentious form of family law that you never want to go through if you can amicably work it out. But in both scenarios, you have to work with a Massachusetts family law attorney to go through the proper steps to assure the contempt charge gets ironed out in the best possible way.

If you’re the one receiving a contempt charge from your spouse for reneging on a court order in child support payments, you’re going to need to respond to the summons immediately. The summons is basically a question of why you haven’t obeyed the previous court order on child support payments. You have to send that summons back with a logical answer before the required deadline.

Placing Your Explanation on the Summons
You have to file an answer to the court when sending the summons back, and the reasons for the initial contempt charge will already be written on the document. State clearly why you didn’t obey the court order, no matter what the circumstances were. Being honest is going to help you, though writing your reasons with the aid of an experienced family law attorney is prudent. In many cases, how you word the explanation will make all the difference on whether the contempt charge sticks or not. An attorney will know how to word it just right so it’s not misinterpreted.

Once you have submitted your response, your lawyer will send the summons back to the court before the due date. They’ll also send a copy to your spouse and their lawyer so they have your explanation in writing.

Attending the Court Hearing
You’re going to possibly face an angry judge when attending the court hearing on the allotted date. In that regard, having your attorney there with you is going to be essential to mitigate the situation.

The consequences of disobeying a court order can sometimes mean you having to pay your spouse’s legal costs if the judge thinks you were truly negligent. Your spouse may additionally be given the rights to your child for the extra days you didn’t previously allow.

While no jail time will be involved, paying the legal costs of your spouse can get quite expensive. It’s one reason why you should consult with your attorney from the beginning to work out a new visitation order if you think something needs to be changed. When you wait for a contempt charge, you only make things worse, and it quickly becomes a situation you can’t control.

No matter the case, in any contempt charge, you need to find an experienced family law attorney to negotiate the best possible outcome. Contact us directly if you’re involved in family law matter involving contempt charges.

Previous StoryRetirement Plans Thrown Into Disarray by a Divorce
Next StoryWhy You should plan ahead, even though you are in love.
Call Today: 617-773-4111

Categories

  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Articles
  • Divorce Questions & Answers
  • DivorceNet Articles
  • General Posts
  • In The News

Tags

Alimony Annulment asset division bifurcation child custody Child Support civil union Co-parenting Collaborative Law Coronavirus COVID-19 date during divorce divorce divorce mediation divorce modifications DNA testing Domestic Abuse Estate Planning false allegations family law fault divorce grandparent custody gray divorce guardianship health insurance coverage High Net Worth Divorce Infidelity Joint Custody no-fault divorce Out-of-State Divorce Parenting Time paternity Protecting Assets separation agreements Tax Cuts and Jobs Act visitation

How May We Help You?

We offer a free initial consultation

Attorney Bruce L. Watson

Serving Greater Boston & South Shore region.

617-773-4111
21 McGrath Highway
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Menu
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram
Copyright © 2023

by Attorney Bruce Watson · Quincy Divorce Lawyer · Attorney Marketing by Bardorf Legal Marketing

Email Us
close slider

Get A Case Evaluation

We are happy to provide a consultation to all first time clients.
Please complete the form below and we will contact you.