Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Family Law
I received the report and recommendations from the General Magistrate for contempt/enforcement and have a question:

It states, '' The respondent is in willful contempt for failure to pay child support as ordered and for said contempt, he should be sentenced to 90 days in jail; however, that sentence should be suspended for 15 days from the date of Order entered on this report to allow him to make payment of $1500 toward the child support arrearage.''

Does this mean if he pays the $1500 (towards the $9800 owed) his jail time will not be required?

Asked on 2/15/09, 12:13 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Ali Kirk

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Re: Family Law

Thank you for the question. The Order contains what is called a "purge" amount of money. Here that amount is $1,500. So while the order holds the person in contempt, it allows for payment in 15 days from the date the order was signed by the judge/magistrate to avoid going to jail.

I realize that in America, there is usually no such thing as "debtors prison," this situation and those with the IRS are a few examples.

Good luck!

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Answered on 2/15/09, 2:05 pm

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