Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Child Support Contempt

Ex ordered during divorce to pay support which for two years, he never did. 17k in arrears.

Case being handled by CSE now being pursued by FL Attorney General's office of Broward County.

Hearing held last month for suspension of drivers license. He made one payment (one month of support) to avoid the license being suspended and has failed to make any payment since.

Received notice today they have filed for contempt against him.

What is likely to occur at this next hearing? Is any attorney familiar here with how aggressive Attorney General's office is in these cases. Since he already avoided the license suspension, what other methods will they possibly use or pursue.

Thank you.


Asked on 1/28/08, 8:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Brent Rose The Orsini & Rose Law Firm

Re: Child Support Contempt

Not to knock the Attorney General's Office, but when you have a free lawyer, you often get what you pay for. There are lots of tricks people use to avoid having licenses suspended or going to jail, like making small payments at the last minute. Your ex may be able to keep doing that, too.

Consider hiring a private lawyer. It will cost your more up front, but you'll probably get a better result in the long run.

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Answered on 1/29/08, 7:42 am

Re: Child Support Contempt

Impossible to tell how agressive an indiviual attorney is going to be at a hearing. If your ex makes him mad, you can bet he'll go for the jugular! Sit through a couple of hearings before yours is called and you will know. If he's held in contempt, he can sit in jail until he pays a purge amount set by the judge (who may also have to be aggresive).

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Answered on 1/29/08, 10:55 am


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