Q: How do I go about getting an expedited contempt hearing?
My ex has primary custody of our kids. They live in filth and squalor, sleeping in beds with moldy food, used tampons, etc. I have video and photographic evidence, along with my ex admitting to the conditions in text messages, asking me to help clean, and stating, "I can't put all my time and energy into making sure the house is clean". I want to get my kids out of there as soon as possible, or at least force my ex to maintain a sanitary house. I filed contempt motions in February, got an answer form in April, and still do not have a court date. Do I call DCF, or is there another way to get this moving?
A: It does sound like neglect from your description of the children's living situation and the DCF can be contacted to investigate. They will know a divorce is pending and that you are a party. Is this a new distinguishable state of affairs in the household ? One of the questions that will be asked is why the reporting is happening now if the situation was ongoing for a lengthy period . Generally once a Contempt Complaint is filed a Summons with the hearing date is provided for your arranging for serving upon the defendant with a copy of the Complaint. Therefore I am wondering whether going it alone is a good idea as you may have missed something handling matters yourself.
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