Legal Question in Family Law in Montana

Going through a divorce. We went to court for a TRO. Before the Judge came in we were tring to settle things. His Laywer and he were out in the hall, My lawyer and I were in the court room. We agreed to turn a restraining order into just a stipulated civil order of no contact with some parenting plan in the mix. We both bowl and with the order our lawyers suggested to us it would be a good idea for both parties not to go down to the bowling alley until things settle down. Then the judge came in and we went through the orders. Thr TRO state nothing about us not going to the bowling alley, other than with the exception of legal appearances Mr Spouse shall at all times stay a minumum of 300 ft away from ms spouse, her residence, her employment, or any other place known to be frequented by her. His laywer and him are saying I will be in contempt of court if I go bowl. He no longer goes and bowls on Friday night therefore the 300 ft will not be an issue. This TRO is against him not me. Will I truely be in contempt and get repremanded for this?


Asked on 3/02/12, 1:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Carolyn J. Stevens CJ Stevens|Law

This is an excellent time to seek counsel from your retained Counselor-at-Law. S/he knows the details first-hand and how your negotiated agreement lead to a Stipulated Order.

From your description of the no-contact order, it seems you could both bowl, just agree to go at different times of the week, and have your lawyers revise the OP. While you're revising it, think of other places you would both go. For example, if you grocery shop at the same store, agree to go different days for your main "resupply" trips.

I also suggest you both see a family therapist to re-learn how to interact without becoming angry. Especially if you have children, you're going to be in the same place on Parents Night, school games when the kids play, concerts they're in, etc. You'll be parents for the rest of your lives, so it's to your advantage to learn why you can't be in the same place without friction, and to learn new ways of communicating with each other. As a divorced parent, I can tell you that life is much more pleasant without toting around the old anger - and that's good for the children, too.

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Answered on 3/03/12, 4:17 pm


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