Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Your question does nto provide enough information. If the "penalty" for contempt is the loss of parental rights, than, there may be a duty to inform a repondent that the court can supply counsel for them. If it is just that they lose the benefit of some action the respondent had been asking the court to take, then there probalby is no obligation to provide counsel for the respondant.

You did not indicate how the repsondent husband got the impression that they could not have an attorney represent them In most Motions/requests for Contempt, the penalty sought is often listed in the Motion. If no penalty is described, than the "penaly" for contempt is left up to the discretion of the judge. They have some, but not total latitude in deciding what is appropriate. If the husband gfeels the "penalty" was too severe, or he had a right to appointed counsel, he should appeal it THROUGH HIS ATTORNEY.

Good luck