Contempt of Court in Arkansas Family Law Cases
Enforcing Divorce, Custody & Child Support Orders
When a court issues an order in a family law case, compliance is not optional. Unfortunately, many parents and former spouses find themselves dealing with an ex who refuses to follow the court’s orders—whether it involves custody, visitation, child support, or the terms of a divorce decree.
At Turner & Rasch LLP, we help clients pursue contempt actions in Arkansas family law cases to hold the other party accountable and enforce court-ordered obligations. You should not be left powerless when the law is on your side.
What Is Contempt of Court in Arkansas?
Contempt of court occurs when a person willfully fails or refuses to comply with a valid court order. In family law cases, contempt is often the legal tool used to enforce compliance when informal efforts have failed.
To prove contempt, the court generally must find:
A valid court order exists
The other party knew about the order
The party had the ability to comply
The party willfully failed to comply
Contempt actions are handled by the judge who issued the original order or has jurisdiction over the case.
Common Family Law Orders Enforced Through Contempt
Contempt of Divorce Decrees
A divorce decree often contains detailed requirements involving:
Property division
Debt responsibility
Spousal support (alimony)
Transfer of assets or refinancing obligations
Child Custody & Support
When a former spouse fails to follow these terms, a contempt action may be necessary to enforce compliance.
Contempt of Child Custody and Visitation Orders
Custody and visitation violations are among the most emotionally charged contempt matters. Common issues include:
Denying court-ordered visitation
Repeatedly interfering with parenting time
Failing to follow custody schedules
Refusing to return a child on time
Courts take custody violations seriously, as they directly affect children and parent-child relationships.
Contempt of Child Support Orders
Failure to pay court-ordered child support can result in serious consequences. A contempt action may be filed when a parent:
Misses payments
Pays less than the ordered amount
Stops paying altogether
Possible consequences include fines, wage withholding enforcement, and other court-imposed remedies. While inability to pay can be a defense, it must be supported by evidence.
Other Family Law Orders Subject to Contempt
Contempt may also apply to violations involving:
Medical insurance requirements
Payment of medical or extracurricular expenses
Compliance with parenting plans
Court-ordered counseling or evaluations
If the order is clear and enforceable, contempt may be an available remedy.
How Turner & Rasch LLP Helps Enforce Court Orders
At Turner & Rasch LLP, we understand how frustrating and destabilizing it can be when the other party ignores court orders. Our attorneys assist clients by:
Reviewing court orders for enforceability
Preparing and filing motions for contempt
Gathering evidence of noncompliance
Representing clients at contempt hearings
Advocating for remedies that protect your rights and your children
Our goal is to help restore stability and ensure court orders are respected.
Possible Consequences of Being Found in Contempt
If the court finds a party in contempt, it may order remedies such as:
Immediate compliance with the order
Payment of past-due support or expenses
Makeup visitation
Fines or sanctions
Other court-ordered corrective measures
Judges have broad discretion in determining appropriate remedies based on the circumstances of each case.
Attorney’s Fees in Contempt Cases
In some contempt actions, the court may order the noncompliant party to pay the other party’s attorney’s fees and costs. This is intended to prevent one party from being unfairly burdened by enforcement expenses.
However, it is important to understand:
Attorney’s fees are not automatic
The decision is entirely within the judge’s discretion
Courts consider the conduct of both parties and the facts of the case
Our attorneys will request attorney’s fees when appropriate and supported by the evidence, while providing realistic expectations about potential outcomes.
Serving Clients in Little Rock and Across Arkansas
Based in Little Rock, Turner & Rasch LLP represents clients throughout Central Arkansas in contempt and enforcement matters involving divorce decrees, custody orders, and child support obligations.
We combine strong legal advocacy with clear communication so clients understand both the process and their options.
Speak With an Arkansas Family Law Attorney About Contempt
If the other party is ignoring a court order, you do not have to accept ongoing violations. A properly filed contempt action can help enforce compliance and protect your rights.
Contact Turner & Rasch LLP today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you hold the other party accountable under Arkansas law.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. The laws governing family law matters in Arkansas are complex and subject to change, and the application of the law depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
Reviewing, accessing, or using this website does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Turner & Rasch LLP. An attorney–client relationship is only formed through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm after a conflict-of-interest check has been completed.
Visitors should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained on this website without first seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in their jurisdiction.
Any communication submitted through this website, including through contact forms or email links, does not create an attorney–client relationship and may not be treated as confidential until such a relationship has been formally established.
This disclaimer is intended to comply with the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct and other applicable ethical requirements.