What to expect at a contempt hearing?

[Angell]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

My son's father is scheduled for a contempt hearing in a few days and I have a few questions about it.

I called Domestics and asked them a few things, but they said they were unsure. They said that they recommended that I go because if he has to go in front of the judge, the judge may want to speak to me. What kind of things would the judge want to ask me? What kind of paperwork should I bring, if any? Also, will me having a PFA on him effect the way the hearing will go (as in make it different than it normally would be)?

If anymore information is needed, please let me know. Thank you in advance.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Gracie3787]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

My son's father is scheduled for a contempt hearing in a few days and I have a few questions about it.

I called Domestics and asked them a few things, but they said they were unsure. They said that they recommended that I go because if he has to go in front of the judge, the judge may want to speak to me. What kind of things would the judge want to ask me? What kind of paperwork should I bring, if any? Also, will me having a PFA on him effect the way the hearing will go (as in make it different than it normally would be)?

If anymore information is needed, please let me know. Thank you in advance.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Who filed the contempt motion?
Did you file on your own, or did the state CSE agency file?

 

[Angell]

CSE filed. This is also his third contempt notice, but the first time that he actually has to go to the hearing. His previous ones were also filed by the CSE.

 

[Gracie3787]

CSE filed. This is also his third contempt notice, but the first time that he actually has to go to the hearing. His previous ones were also filed by the CSE.

You are not required to be at the hearing. However, if you can go, it's best to be there. The CSE will have all the papers that will be needed. If you have any information regarding ex's income or employment that the CSE is not aware of, you can bring those wiht you in case it's needed.

 

[Angell]

I can definately make it. Will I be asked anything by anyone when I go, or am I just kind of there? I am honestly clueless to how this all works.

Thank you for your quick replies.

 

[Gracie3787]

I can definately make it. Will I be asked anything by anyone when I go, or am I just kind of there? I am honestly clueless to how this all works.

Thank you for your quick replies.

You really don't have to say anything, and it's doubtful if you'll be asked any questions. If you are asked, just answer as honestly as you can in the shortest amount of words.

First, your ex will be asked why he hasn't paid. Then, he'll give his explaination. If he hasn't paid for some involuntary rerason, such as lay-off, illness, injury, etc they will most likely ask some more questions of him.

If he can't prove that his non payment was involuntary, he'll likely be found in contempt. A purge (some lump some of the arrears amount) will be ordered, or since this is the 3rd time, he might be sent to jail, with a purge amount set that he can pay to get out of jail.

 

[Angell]

Thank you!