Understanding Contempt in Colorado (C.R.C.P. 107)

In Colorado, "Contempt" is the legal mechanism used to address the violation of a court order. There are two primary types of contempt actions we handle, each serving a different strategic purpose:

1. Remedial Contempt (Forcing Compliance)

The goal of remedial contempt is to get the other party to do what they were supposed to do. * The "Purge" Clause: The court can order sanctions—including fines or even jail time—that stay in effect until the person complies with the order.

• Attorney Fees: One of the greatest advantages of remedial contempt is that the court has the authority to order the violating party to pay your attorney’s fees and costs.

2. Punitive Contempt (Punishing the Violation)

Punitive contempt is designed to punish a party for their past behavior and for "offending the dignity of the court."

• Quasi-Criminal: Because this involves a fixed punishment (like a specific fine or jail sentence), the accused has rights similar to a criminal defendant, including the right to a trial and the right to remain silent.

• The Goal: This is typically reserved for egregious, willful, and repeated violations where simply "fixing" the problem is no longer enough.

Contempt is a "blunt instrument" in family law. It requires precision. At Heritage Family Law, we use our modern, virtual platform to move these cases forward efficiently. We don't believe in unnecessary conflict, but we do believe in the sanctity of the law. If an order has been issued, we make sure it is respected.

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Don't let a broken agreement disrupt your family's future. Schedule a virtual strategy session with our Colorado team today.

How We Support You: Our Contempt Services

Whether you are seeking to enforce an order or defending against a citation, we provide a streamlined, virtual-first approach to litigation.

Enforcement Services (Filing for Contempt)

If your ex-spouse is withholding child support, denying parenting time, or refusing to divide marital property, we help you:

• Verify the Violation: We ensure the order was clear and that the other party had the ability to comply.

• Draft the Motion & Affidavit: We file the precise legal documents required by Colorado courts to initiate a "Citation to Show Cause."

• Represent You at the Hearing: We present the evidence—from financial records to communication logs—to prove the violation beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Defense Services (When You Are Accused)

Life is unpredictable. Sometimes, a "violation" isn't a sign of disrespect, but a result of a genuine inability to comply or a misunderstanding of a vague order. If you have been served with a Contempt Citation, we provide:

• Defense Strategy: We work to show the court that the violation was not "willful" or that you lacked the present ability to comply.

• Negotiation & Mediation: Often, we can resolve these issues through our resolution-focused approach before you ever have to step foot in a (virtual) courtroom.