Do I need an attorney to file contempt charges?

Do I need an attorney to file contempt charges?

You don’t need an attorney to file a Motion for Contempt, but it is a good idea to have one. If you decide to represent yourself, you can go to the courthouse that made the order and ask for help at the Court Service Center.

What happens if someone violates a divorce decree?

If your ex-spouse violates any aspect of the final decree of divorce, you can file a motion for contempt of court. You can do this as a pro-se litigant or through your attorney. A copy of the contempt motion has to be served upon your ex-spouse. If you have an attorney, he/she will take care of serving your ex.

What happens if you don’t pay court ordered lawyer fees?

Failure to comply with a Court Order will result in a Motion for Contempt filed against you. If the court finds that your disobedience of the Order is willful, you will be held in contempt, you will probably face additional financial penalties and you could even go to jail!

Who pays for attorney fees in a divorce in California?

You do not have to have a lawyer at the time that you to ask the court to order your spouse/partner pay your lawyer fees. The judge can order one side to pay a reasonable amount to hire a lawyer as early as possible before the case goes forward.

How long do you have to be married in California to receive alimony?

Under California Law, the general presumption for duration of support is “one-half the length of the marriage,” for marriages of fewer than 10 years. This means that if you were married for six years, the judge has the right to limit alimony for one-half of the marriage if the need exists (three years).