Clarksville Contempt Lawyers

Ready to Protect Your Rights & Best Interests in Contempt Proceedings

Is the other parent withholding visitation and uncooperative about setting up make-up dates? Is he/she willfully refusing to pay child support or alimony? Is your ex-spouse not complying with the final divorce agreement? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, an experienced family law attorney can help you file a Petition for Contempt to ensure the other party follows the court order or faces harsh punishment for knowingly failing to do so.

At Jeff Grimes & Associates, PLLC, we are committed to helping clients either enforce a court order or defend themselves false allegations. With over 40 years of collective experience in family law and criminal defense matters in Tennessee, our Clarksville contempt attorneys can assess your case, figure out your available options, and provide you with effective and personalized legal solutions to get the most favorable result in your case.

For more information about our experienced legal services, call us today at (931) 398-5308.

Contempt in Tennessee

Contempt means intentionally and willfully violating a court order.

Common examples of contempt actions include:

• Parenting plan violations

• Failure to pay child or spousal support

• Obey the property division provision of the final agreement

There are two types of contempt in Tennessee: civil contempt and criminal contempt.

Civil contempt is an action to enforce a court order based on the “preponderance of evidence” (i.e. the accused party more than likely than not willfully ignored a court order) Since this type of contempt is remedial, rather than punitive, the accused individual has an opportunity to comply with the order in order to avoid being found in contempt. However, continued failure to comply can lead to jail time and a fine.

By contrast, criminal contempt is an action to punish the accused party for willfully violating a court order. The court must prove that the accused party intentionally violated the order beyond a reasonable doubt. A conviction can result in a maximum 10-day jail sentence for each count of contempt and a fine.

The aggrieved party must file a Petition of Contempt with the county court. The court will serve the accused party and set a date for a court hearing. The accused party has an opportunity to defend himself/herself in court.

Request a Consultation Today

Whether you are interested in filing for contempt or defending yourself, our firm can provide compassionate and knowledgeable legal services to help you get the best possible result. If the court rules in your favor, the other party may have to pay your attorney’s fees, so what do you have to lose? Do not wait to let us fight for you in Montgomery County criminal or family court immediately.

Contact us today to discuss your case.