Can I e-sign a Motion for Contempt?

Possibly, but courts vary. ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA generally validate electronic signatures, but many courts treat official court filings and certain orders as exceptions; confirm the local e-filing and signature rules before e-signing.

What evidence should I attach?

Attach the prior order, a numbered affidavit describing each violation with dates, and labeled exhibits (documents, communications, receipts) that directly support the factual assertions.

How must I serve the opposing party?

Service follows local rules—common methods include personal service, mail with proof, or electronic service where permitted; file proof of service with the court before or at the hearing as required.

What if the motion is procedurally defective?

Clerks may reject filings, or the court may deny without prejudice. Correct procedural defects promptly; failure to follow page limits or required forms can delay or dismiss the motion.

Could I face sanctions for a frivolous contempt motion?

Yes. Courts may award sanctions against parties or attorneys who file baseless contempt motions; include a good-faith factual basis and cite governing law to reduce that risk.

When should I get an attorney?

Consult counsel for complex factual disputes, potential incarceration risks, or where sophisticated remedies are sought; attorney involvement helps ensure procedural compliance and evidence preservation.

Electronic Signature
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Motion for Contempt

Motion for Contempt

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Motion for Contempt / Contempt Citation

STATE OF CONNECTICUT SUPERIOR COURT

JD-FM-173 Rev. 2-15 C.G.S. § 46b-87; 46b-220 P.B. § 25-27

Clicking on the question marks will give you information about that section of the form.

ADA NOTICE

The Judicial Branch of the State of Connecticut complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the ADA, contact a court clerk or an ADA contact person listed at www.jud.ct.gov/ADA.

(Check one) Before Judgment (pendente lite) After Judgment

Judicial District of

At (Town)

Docket number

Plaintiff's name (Last, first, middle initial)

Defendant's name (Last, first, middle initial)

Plaintiff's address (Number, street, city, state, zip code)

Defendant's address (Number, street, city, state, zip code)

I, the Plaintiff Defendant, respectfully represent that this Court issued an order on directing the plaintiff defendant to (fill out only the box (or boxes) below for the order (or orders) you are claiming was (or were) disobeyed):

Pay child support in the amount of
per
Pay alimony in the amount of
per
Pay arrearages in the amount of
per

Total balance owed
As of (Date)

Have visitation or parenting time as follows: (Attach a copy of the visitation schedule if available)

Pay medical bills or provide health insurance as follows:

Other:

The plaintiff defendant has disobeyed the court order in the following ways: (Please be specific. Include the amount of any past due amount you claim is due as of the date of this motion or another specific date.)

I ask the Court to find the plaintiff defendant in contempt. I certify that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature*

Date

Telephone (Area code first)

Name of attorney or self-represented litigant

Address of attorney or self-represented litigant

Certification (Complete if motion is filed before judgment (pendente lite))

I certify that a copy of this document was or will immediately be mailed or delivered electronically or non-electronically on to all attorneys and self-represented parties of record and that written consent for electronic delivery was received from all attorneys and self-represented parties of record who were or will immediately be electronically served.

Name and address of each party and attorney that copy was mailed or delivered to*

*If necessary, attach additional sheet or sheets with name and address which the copy was mailed or delivered to.

Signed (Signature of filer)

Print or type name of person signing

Date signed

Mailing address (Number, street, town, state and zip code)

Telephone number

Order To Attend Hearing and Notice (To be completed by the Court)

The court orders the plaintiff the defendant to attend a hearing at the time and place shown below to show why you are not in contempt. The Court also orders the plaintiff defendant to give notice to the opposing party of the Motion and of the time and place where the Court will hear it, by having a true and attested copy of the Motion and this Order mailed or delivered to the opposing party by any proper officer at least 12 days before the date of the hearing. Proof of mailing or delivery must be made to this Court at least 6 days before the hearing.

By the Court (Judge/Assistant Clerk)

Date signed

Superior Court, Judicial District of

Date

Time

Court address

Room number (If known)

Telephone (Area code first)

If you do not come to the court hearing, a civil arrest order (capias) may be issued against you.

Page 2

Summons
TO ANY PROPER OFFICER:
By the Authority of the State of Connecticut, you must serve a true and attested copy of the above Motion and Order to Attend Hearing on the below named person in one of the ways required by law at least 12 days before the date of the hearing, and file proof of service with this Court at least six days before the hearing.

Person to be served

Address

Assistant Clerk

Date signed

Order

The Court has heard the above Motion and finds that the plaintiff defendant:

is not in contempt. is in contempt in the following way(s):

owes past due amount (arrears) as of in the amount of

other (specify):

It is ordered:

payment in the amount of for current support and on past due by

income withholding in the amount of

incarceration

attorney's fees

marshal's fees

this matter is continued to at

other (specify):

By the Court (Judge/Family Support Magistrate)

Signed (Assistant Clerk)

Date of order

Return of Service

I left a true and attested copy of the Motion for Contempt in the hands of the defendant in the hands of the plaintiff

at the current home of the defendant plaintiff at

The original Motion is attached.

Name and title

County

Date of service

For Use By Any Proper Officer As Defined by C.G.S. § 52-50(a) Only

Fee information:

Copy

Endorsement

Service

Travel

Total

What a Motion for Contempt Is and When it’s Used

A Motion for Contempt is a formal court filing asking a judge to enforce compliance with a prior court order or judgment by finding a party in contempt for willful disobedience or failure to follow the order. It identifies the underlying order, states specific violations with factual support, and requests relief such as fines, sanctions, or coercive remedies. Motions for contempt occur in civil, family, and administrative matters and must meet local procedural and evidentiary standards to proceed to a hearing.

Why Filing a Motion for Contempt Matters

A properly drafted motion provides the court with a clear factual record and specific legal basis to enforce compliance, seek sanctions, or obtain remedial relief. It preserves rights, creates an evidentiary trail, and can prompt court-ordered compliance without separate litigation.

Who Typically Prepares and Files This Motion

Attorneys representing parties, self-represented litigants, and administrative counsel commonly prepare Motions for Contempt when a court order has been disregarded.

Private attorneys for plaintiffs or petitioners seeking enforcement after noncompliance.
Defense counsel responding to alleged contempts or filing protective pleadings.
Self-represented parties preparing factual affidavits and service documents to proceed without counsel.

Filing requirements and strategic considerations vary by jurisdiction; many litigants consult local rules or counsel before filing.

Essential Information to Include in the Motion

Case Caption: Exact party names.

Case Number: Court-assigned docket number.

Order Identified: Date and description.

Specific Acts: Clear factual violations.

Relief Requested: Fines, sanctions, enforcement.

Supporting Evidence: Affidavits, exhibits.

Step-by-step: Preparing a Motion for Contempt

Follow these core steps in order to create a clear, procedurally compliant motion that the court can act on.

01

Gather Orders: Collect the underlying order and all related docket entries.
02

Document Violations: Create a numbered fact statement with dates and exhibit references.
03

Draft Motion: State legal standard, cite authority, and request specific relief.
04

File and Serve: File per court rules and serve opposing parties with proof of service.

Configuring an Online Workflow for This Motion

Set up an electronic workflow that mirrors the court’s filing and service requirements to reduce errors when e-filing and sharing evidence.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Set petitioner then respondent as signing sequence.
Authentication	Require email + SMS code or attorney bar verification.
Attach Evidence	Include exhibits as labeled PDF attachments.
Delivery Method	Select court e-file and certified email for opposing counsel.

Where the Motion Travels: Filing and Service Workflow

This sequence outlines the typical routing from preparation to court hearing so you can plan timing and service.

Prepare Motion: Draft motion with supporting exhibit list and affidavits.
E-file or Paper: Submit via court e-filing portal or deliver to clerk’s office.
Serve Parties: Serve opposing counsel per local rules (email, hand, or certified mail).
Hearing Scheduled: Court sets a hearing date or issues an order for briefing.

Digital Signing and eFiling Requirements

Confirm the court’s rules on e-filings, electronic signatures, and acceptable authentication before using an eSignature platform.

Authentication Strength: Use email+SMS or attorney bar credential checks.
Document Format: Upload searchable PDF/A when possible.
Audit Trail: Preserve timestamps, IP, and signer metadata.

Courts vary: e-filing portals, clerk preferences, and local standing orders determine whether electronic signatures or e-filed documents are accepted.

Key Timing and Deadlines to Watch

Deadlines differ by court; these common timing rules illustrate typical scheduling and response expectations for contempt filings.

Filing Window:

File promptly after violation discovery; statutes of limitations may apply.

Service Deadline:

Serve opposing party immediately; some courts require proof of service before hearing.

Response Period:

Local rules often allow 7–21 days to respond; check specific court rules.

Hearing Scheduling:

Clerk or judge sets hearing date; emergency motions may get expedited dates.

Appeal Timeline:

Post-contempt orders may be appealable; appeal windows vary by jurisdiction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Motion

Failing to tie alleged conduct to a specific paragraph of the underlying order, leaving the court unable to determine the precise duty breached.
Submitting uncertified or poorly labeled exhibits that do not show dates, signatures, or clear chain of custody for the supporting facts.
Ignoring local court rules on page limits, required forms, or motion cover sheets that lead to administrative rejection.
Improper service methods or missing proof of service, which can delay hearings or result in dismissal without prejudice.

Potential Penalties and Legal Risks

Monetary Sanctions: Fines or fee awards.

Coercive Remedies: Daily fines to compel compliance.

Incarceration: Short-term jail for some contempt findings.

Case Dismissal: Procedural defects can dismiss motion.

Fee Liability: Sanctions may include opposing counsel fees.

Criminal Exposure: In rare cases, criminal contempt sanctions.

Representative Scenarios Showing When a Motion for Contempt Is Used

Two common scenarios illustrate typical factual patterns and remedies sought in contempt proceedings.

Family Court Example

A parent repeatedly failed to comply with a child support order after written warnings

Nonpayment continued for three months despite notices
The motion included certified pay records, affidavit of nonpayment, and a request for arrears, fines, and an income withholding order.

Civil Judgment Example

A creditor obtained a judgment ordering payment and the debtor ignored installment deadlines

Debtor transferred assets instead of paying judgment
The motion presented bank statements, a judgment debtor exam request, and sought turnover and monetary sanctions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motions for Contempt

Answers to common procedural and evidentiary questions to help avoid delays and improve the chance of judicial enforcement.

Need help? Contact support

Can I e-sign a Motion for Contempt?
Possibly, but courts vary. ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA generally validate electronic signatures, but many courts treat official court filings and certain orders as exceptions; confirm the local e-filing and signature rules before e-signing.
What evidence should I attach?
Attach the prior order, a numbered affidavit describing each violation with dates, and labeled exhibits (documents, communications, receipts) that directly support the factual assertions.
How must I serve the opposing party?
Service follows local rules—common methods include personal service, mail with proof, or electronic service where permitted; file proof of service with the court before or at the hearing as required.
What if the motion is procedurally defective?
Clerks may reject filings, or the court may deny without prejudice. Correct procedural defects promptly; failure to follow page limits or required forms can delay or dismiss the motion.
Could I face sanctions for a frivolous contempt motion?
Yes. Courts may award sanctions against parties or attorneys who file baseless contempt motions; include a good-faith factual basis and cite governing law to reduce that risk.
When should I get an attorney?
Consult counsel for complex factual disputes, potential incarceration risks, or where sophisticated remedies are sought; attorney involvement helps ensure procedural compliance and evidence preservation.

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