Understanding Civil and Criminal Contempt in Tennessee Family Law
Why Contempt of Court in Divorce Cases Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
In Tennessee family law, there are two types of contempt that courts commonly enforce: civil contempt and criminal contempt. Both arise when a person violates a court order, but they differ in purpose and consequences.
Criminal contempt is used to punish past behavior, while civil contempt is meant to encourage future compliance. Either way, both can carry serious penalties—particularly in cases involving child support or alimony. These are two of the only debts in Tennessee that can actually land someone in jail if left unpaid.
Contempt actions are not rare. If someone falls behind on child support payments or refuses to meet their financial obligations laid out in a divorce decree or parenting plan, the court can step in. Judges have the authority to impose fines, assign jail time, or both. And for repeat violations, the consequences only grow more severe.
That’s why I always stress to my clients: stay on top of your obligations. Following court orders isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s the surest way to avoid escalating legal trouble and move forward with life.
When someone refuses to “play by the rules,” contempt becomes a powerful legal tool to enforce fairness and accountability in family court.
