Q: In answering a petition of contempt, what is the best way to go about it? Child's Father coming after me with no pretext
Childs father has been absent for two years and is now trying to hold me in contempt of court for not allowing him to see his child, but I have proof of when he stopped coming to the court ordered visitations and proof that he wasn't paying child support but is now doing so to build a case against me. I just need legal advice on how I am supposed to properly answer the petition and move forward in going after him on the abandonment or even try to get his rights reduced.
A: The court will not modify the current order regarding custody or visitation unless you file an action asking them to do so. As far as how to address the contempt petition, you should file an Answer within 30 days of the date you were served with the documents. That Answer should respond to each allegation made by the Plaintiff where you state whether you admit or deny said allegation, or admit in part. I would advise you to hire an attorney. Because if you are found in contempt, any sanctions levied against you are unlikely to be appealed or set aside, meaning, you will be stuck with the courts judgment, whether you agree with it or not.
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