{"id":368983,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/going-to-court\/civil-contempt-of-court.html"},"modified":"2026-07-29T16:27:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T21:27:03","slug":"civil-contempt-of-court","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/civil-contempt-of-court.html","title":{"rendered":"Civil Contempt of Court"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Civil Contempt of Court<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 29, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>Contempt of court refers to actions that either defy a court&#8217;s authority, cast disrespect on a court, or impede the ability of the court to perform its function.<\/li>\n<li>Civil contempt of court differs from criminal contempt, including in terms of the penalties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This article describes the intricacies of civil contempt of court. It discusses its difference from criminal contempt and explains its nuances. Read on to get a clear understanding of what civil contempt of court means and its role in the judicial system.<\/p>\n<p>In a civil case, you&#8217;ll face the choice to either represent yourself or hire a lawyer. Given the complex courtroom rules and procedures, it&#8217;s highly advisable to seek guidance from a skilled <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">litigation attorney<\/a>. They can help you avoid contempt and other errors that could jeopardize your case.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Contempt in a Civil Court Case?<\/h2>\n<p>Civil contempt of court refers to behavior that disobeys the authority of a court in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-to-expect-a-lawsuit-chronology.html\">civil proceeding<\/a>. Civil contempt is distinct from criminal contempt of court. Most often, civil contempt of court involves failure to satisfy a court order.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In general, sanction for civil contempt ends when the party in contempt complies with the court order. It also ends upon the resolution of the underlying case. Civil contempt can result in punishment, either jail time, a fine, or both.<\/p>\n<h2>Two Forms of Contempt: Civil vs. Criminal<\/h2>\n<p>Contempt takes two forms:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/criminal-contempt-of-court.html\">criminal contempt<\/a>\u00a0and civil contempt.<\/p>\n<p>Actions that one might typically associate with the phrase criminal\u00a0contempt of court can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Causing a severe disruption in the courtroom<\/li>\n<li>Yelling at the judge<\/li>\n<li>Refusing to testify before a grand jury<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Civil contempt of court most often happens when someone fails to adhere to an order from the court, injuring a private party&#8217;s rights. For example, failure to pay court-ordered\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/child-support-basics.html\">child support<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/alimony.html\">alimony<\/a>\u00a0can lead to punishment for civil contempt. The aggrieved party, such as a parent who has not received court-ordered child support payments, may file an action for civil contempt.<\/p>\n<p>The following are some of the common actions that would\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/legaldictionary.net\/contempt-of-court\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">constitute civil contempt<\/a>\u00a0of court:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Failure to follow the Marital Settlement Agreement of divorce decree<\/li>\n<li>Failure or refusal to provide the court-ordered alimony, child support, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/alimony.html\">spousal support<\/a>\u00a0payments<\/li>\n<li>Failure to comply with the terms of the child visitation order or parenting plan<\/li>\n<li>Failure or refusal to give back property ordered by the court to be\u00a0returned<\/li>\n<li>Violation of protective order or no contact order<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Punishment for Contempt of Court<\/h2>\n<p>The penalties for each type of contempt differ, especially when it comes to the main purpose behind the consequences. Criminal contempt sentences aim to punish the act of contempt.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, civil contempt sanctions aim to accomplish one of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Restore the rights of the party wronged by the failure to satisfy the court&#8217;s order<\/li>\n<li>Move an underlying proceeding along<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Civil contempt sanctions often end when the party in contempt complies with the court order or upon the resolution of the underlying case.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>Will You Go to Jail for Contempt of Court?<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, yes. The court may order the incarceration of a contemnor in civil contempt, as it does with those charged with criminal contempt.<\/p>\n<p>But unlike in criminal contempt, contemnors in civil contempt cases are not given the same <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/what-the-sixth-amendment-guarantees.html\">constitutional rights<\/a> guaranteed to criminal defendants. For instance, the court will\u00a0notify those held in civil contempt of the sanctions and allow them to be heard, but they aren&#8217;t guaranteed a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/rules-regarding-your-jury-trial.html\">jury trial<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In addition,\u00a0proving civil contempt proceedings doesn&#8217;t require\u00a0the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/standards-of-proof-in-civil-cases-preponderance-of-evidence-and-clear-and-convincing-evidence.html\">burden of proof<\/a> to be beyond a reasonable doubt. Criminal contempt charges must be proven\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/beyond-a-reasonable-doubt.html#:~:text=Beyond%20A%20Reasonable%20Doubt%20beyond%20a%20reasonable%20doubt,the%20facts%20are%20proven%20and%20guilt%20is%20established.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">beyond a reasonable doubt.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Severity and Length of Penalties<\/h3>\n<p>Criminal contempt involves specified penalties, such as jail time or a fine. In contrast, civil contempt sanctions can be more indefinite, lasting until the resolution of the underlying case. The party in the civil contempt hearing must comply with the court order.<\/p>\n<h2>Direct and Indirect Contempt<\/h2>\n<p>There are two types of contempt of court:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Direct contempt:<\/b> occurs in the court&#8217;s presence, perhaps\u00a0during a court proceeding<\/li>\n<li><b>Indirect contempt:<\/b> occurs outside the presence of the court<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Indirect civil contempt often\u00a0occurs with greater frequency. Examples can include\u00a0a party ordered by\u00a0the court\u00a0to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-subpoena.html\">turn over financial records<\/a> within thirty days but refusing\u00a0to do so, or\u00a0a party court-ordered\u00a0to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/child-support-enforcement.html\">pay for child support<\/a> but failing to do so. Indirect contempt is sometimes called constructive or consequential contempt.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Advice for Your Legal Protection<\/h2>\n<p>Civil contempt cases can become complicated. Going through it alone\u00a0can be challenging and overwhelming, especially if you do not have a legal background. It&#8217;s important to remember that you can always seek legal advice by contacting a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/civil-rights\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">litigation or civil rights attorney near you<\/a> to protect yourself.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil law attorney<\/a> can give you guidance and representation to help you overcome these court charges. You do not have to navigate this situation alone. Consider seeking help from a legal professional.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                       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