Contempt of Court

Contempt of Court in Arizona is when a judge determines (after a hearing) that a party

1. Had knowledge of a valid court order;
2. Could have complied with the order, but
3. Failed to comply. When a party is found in contempt, the judge can issue sanctions (or penalties) until there is compliance with the order.

Examples of sanctions include incarceration, revocation of professional licenses, and even restrictions on a party’s passport and international travel.

A person can be held in contempt of Court for failure to pay child support, spousal support, or attorney fees, or failure to follow legal decision-making and parenting time orders.

The requirements of the order, the type of issue at dispute, and the specific language of the order typically dictates the types of relief and penalties available.