Legal Question in Family Law in California

Only approved orders are actually orders. Proposed orders submitted but not granted have no effect. However, if one side files an application for a contempt order, and the court decides to deny the application on a technicality, or to give the other side a chance to "shape up" before facing consequences, the court is likely to "throw the book" at the other party if first party has to file another request for a contempt order for the same contempt conduct.