Understanding Indirect Contempt in Divorce Property Distribution
Hello, my name is Dillan Savage of Wirth Law Office – Oklahoma City. Today we are going to be talking about indirect contempt in divorce matters where a court has made an order for a division of property in a temporary or final order.
When two parties are getting divorced, there is often a significant amount of property that needs to be divided, whether temporarily or permanently. If a court orders the division of certain property and one party has the ability to comply but chooses not to, they can be found guilty of indirect contempt, or even direct contempt in some instances.
Consequences of Willful Disobedience
What happens if you outright refuse to follow the court’s order? In such cases, you could be found in indirect or direct contempt. The court can impose a range of penalties, including up to six months in jail and fines of around $500. In more severe situations, you might face both jail time and fines.
If you are not willfully disobeying the court—meaning you genuinely cannot comply with the order—you may have a valid defense. For example, if the court orders you to hand over a piece of property that you no longer have in your possession, you cannot be held in contempt. However, if you gave away the property and are unable to return it, that may weaken your defense.
Wrapping Up the Key Points
In summary, if you willfully disobey a court order regarding property division in a divorce, you risk being found in indirect contempt, which can lead to jail time and fines. If you genuinely cannot comply with the order, you may have a defense against contempt charges. It is important to clearly understand your rights and obligations in these circumstances.
If you found this information helpful or know someone who might benefit from it, please visit Oklahoma City attorney. Again, my name is Dylan Savage of Worth Law Office, and thank you for watching.
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If you need assistance navigating divorce property distribution orders or have questions about indirect contempt, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at 405-888-5400 to schedule a low-cost consultation today!
