Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Hi, could someone please explain this statement to me. this is an order from a Judge for an alleged violation of a protective order in which the Respondent was never served and didn't even know about the hearing.

The Court further finds that the Petitioner has incurred fees and costs relative to the prosecution of the contempt proceedin in the amount of $800 and $390, respectively, pursuant to the Affidavit. It is hereby ordered that the Respondent be sentenced to 60 days for contempt herein and sentence is hereby stayed pending any additional violations herein. It is further ordered that Respondent pay to Petitioner the sum of $750 for her costs and fees and is reduced to a Judgement.

Does this mean that the Respondent has to pay the $800, $390 and $750 or serve the 60 days? there is no time limit as to when the $750 must be paid and do they have to pay the $800 and $390? I have written exactly what the court order says;so nothing has been left out. Just a little confusing as it does not say specfically, that respondent has to to pay the $800 and $390, only that those are the costs Petitioner incurred. And when something has been reduced to a Judgement, what exactly does that mean as far as payment.

thank you


Asked on 9/02/11, 8:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

You need to file a Motion to Vacate the Order on the grounds that you were never served nor was there constructive service (meaning published in the newspaper). Looks to me that there is a judgment for $750.00. The sentence is hereby stayed - not sure but would mean under legal terms that it is suspended until some further action.

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Answered on 9/03/11, 3:49 am


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