NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE — DISTRICT COURT

Motion for Order to Show Cause — Contempt (Domestic)

G.S. § 5A-23 · G.S. § 50-13.9 · Willful disobedience of court order · Free PDF generator.
← FORMVANA NC FORMS VIEW ALL FORMS →
01ATTORNEY INFORMATION
02CASE INFORMATION
03TYPE OF ORDER VIOLATED
04SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS ALLEGED
Add each specific act of contempt. Be specific — include date, what was violated, and amount owed (for support violations).
05RELIEF SOUGHT
Select all relief requested.
SELECTED COUNTY
— Select above —

⚠ CONTEMPT — ACT QUICKLY

Contempt motions are time-sensitive. Laches (delay) can be a defense. Document every violation and file as soon as possible after discovering non-compliance.

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CONTEMPT IN NC — KEY RULES

  • Contempt requires willful disobedience of a court order — inability to comply is a complete defense
  • Civil contempt (coercive): respondent is jailed until they comply — up to 30 days per G.S. 5A-21
  • Criminal contempt (punitive): fine up to $500 or jail up to 30 days as punishment for past disobedience
  • Respondent must be served with the motion and OSC before any hearing
  • Bring copies of all missed payments, text messages, and documentation to the hearing
  • For DVPO violations, consider calling law enforcement — violation of a DVPO is also a criminal misdemeanor (G.S. 50B-4.1)

STATUTORY REFERENCE

G.S. 5A-23Civil contempt procedure
G.S. 5A-11Criminal contempt
G.S. 50-13.9Child support enforcement
G.S. 50B-4.1DVPO violation (criminal)
G.S. 5A-21Civil contempt — 30 day cap

BRING TO COURT
  • Copies of the original order
  • Payment records / bank statements showing missed payments
  • Texts, emails, or voicemails showing non-compliance
  • Calendar of missed parenting time (if custody contempt)
  • Documentation of what respondent was able to do (income, assets) during the contempt period

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