Q: I was served contempt of court motion and order to issue citation show cause and the filing person didn't sign them?
My ex-husband filed contempt of court papers for me not sending my kids for their spring break visitation. They did not want to go due to mediation during that time. I filed papers to have this visit suspended. It was denied. After I found out the spring break was almost over. I offered make up time during summer visit. He stated too little too late. He got quite hostile at this time so I quit responding. He had already filed motion for custody and Court was in April. His motion was denied. During this time he serve me with papers for the contempt. Nothing is signed on his part except the order to issue citation and a show-cause which is signed by the judge. My question is is this cause for dismissal? During the April hearing for custody the judge explained how I was wrong and awarded him the week that was offered during summer to make up this time. Also can I file to attend by phone as I live 9 hours away and this has caused a great financial hardship on my family making so many trip?
A: You can request to appear by phone. It will be up to the judge to decide whether that is ok. Contempt proceedings usually require an in-person appearance. You should retain an attorney to represent you as contempt may be punished by a fine or jail.
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