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Order on Show Cause Re Contempt

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Order on Show Cause re Contempt/Judgment (ORCN)

Superior Court of Washington

County of

In re Parentage:

Petitioner,

and

Respondent

and

Respondent.

No.

Order on Show Cause re Contempt/Judgment (ORCN)

Next Hearing Date:

Clerk’s Action Required, ¶ 3.7

I. Judgment Summary

Does not apply.

Judgment summary is as follows:

A. Judgment creditor

B. Judgment debtor

C. Principal judgment amount (back support) $ from to

D. Interest to date of judgment $

E. Attorney fees $

F. Costs $

G. Other recovery amount $

H. Principal judgment shall bear interest at % per annum

I. Attorney fees, costs and other recovery amounts shall bear interest at % per annum

J. Attorney for judgment creditor

K. Attorney for judgment debtor

L. Other:

II. Findings and Conclusions

This Court Finds:

2.1 Compliance With Court Order

did comply intentionally failed to comply with a lawful order of the court dated

2.2 Nature of Order

The order is related to:

child support.

parenting plan (custody/visitation).

residential schedule (custody/visitation).

a restraining order.

2.3 How the Order Was Violated

The order was not violated.

This order was violated in the following manner (include dates and times and amounts, if any):

2.4 Past Ability to Comply With Order

had did not have the ability to comply with the order as follows:

2.5 Present Ability and Willingness to Comply With Order

has does not have the present ability and willingness to comply with the order as follows:

has does not have the present ability and willingness to comply with the order as follows:

2.6 Back Child Support

Back child support is not addressed in the contempt motion.

No back support is owed.

failed to pay the other party the sum of $ support and interest to date in the amount of $ for the period from through

Other:

2.7 Compliance With Parenting Plan

Does not apply.

has complied and is presently willing to comply, with the parenting plan.

has not complied with

the residential (visitation) provisions of the parenting plan and had the ability to comply with the parenting plan and is presently unwilling to comply. The noncompliance with the residential provisions was was not in bad faith.

decision making provisions of the parenting plan and had the ability to comply with the parenting plan and is presently unwilling to comply.

dispute resolution provisions of the parenting plan and had the ability to comply with the parenting plan and is presently unwilling to comply.

Other:

2.8 Attorney Fees and Costs

Does not apply.

Attorney fees and costs awarded in Paragraph 3.6 have been incurred and are reasonable.

III. Order and Judgment

It is hereby Ordered:

3.1 Contempt Ruling

is is not in contempt of court.

3.2 Imprisonment

Does not apply.

is to be confined in the County Jail.

Confinement shall commence immediately and shall continue until or until the contempt is purged as set forth in paragraph 3.5 below, in which case the contemnor shall be released immediately.

Confinement is suspended as follows:

Other:

3.3 Additional Residential Time

Does not apply.

shall have additional residential time as follows:

3.4 Judgment for Past Child Support

Does not apply.

No judgment for past child support is requested.

shall have judgment against in the amount of $ and for unpaid child support arrearages $ interest thereon for the period from through

3.5 Conditions for Purging the Contempt

Does not apply.

The contemnor may purge the contempt as follows:

3.6 Attorney Fees and Costs

Does not apply.

shall have judgment against in the amount of $ for attorney fees and $ for costs.

3.7 Review Date

Does not apply.

The court shall review this matter on at a.m./p.m.

3.8 Other

3.9 Summary of RCW 26.09.430 - .480, Regarding Relocation of a Child

This is a summary only. For the full text, please see RCW 26.09.430 through 26.09.480.

If the person with whom the child resides a majority of the time plans to move, that person shall give notice to every person entitled to court ordered time with the child.

If the move is outside the child’s school district, the relocating person must give notice by personal service or by mail requiring a return receipt. This notice must be at least 60 days before the intended move. If the relocating person could not have known about the move in time to give 60 days’ notice, that person must give notice within five days after learning of the move. The notice must contain the information required in RCW 26.09.440. See also form DRPSCU 07.0500, (Notice of Intended Relocation of a Child).

If the move is within the same school district, the relocating person must provide actual notice by any reasonable means. A person entitled to time with the child may not object to the move but may ask for modification under RCW 26.09.260.

Notice may be delayed for 21 days if the relocating person is entering a domestic violence shelter or is moving to avoid a clear, immediate and unreasonable risk to health and safety.

If information is protected under a court order or the address confidentiality program, it may be withheld from the notice.

A relocating person may ask the court to waive any notice requirements that may put the health and safety of a person or a child at risk.

Failure to give the required notice may be grounds for sanctions, including contempt.

If no objection is filed within 30 days after service of the notice of intended relocation, the relocation will be permitted and the proposed revised residential schedule may be confirmed.

A person entitled to time with a child under a court order can file an objection to the child’s relocation whether or not he or she received proper notice.

An objection may be filed by using the mandatory pattern form WPF DRPSCU 07.0700, (Objection to Relocation/Petition for Modification of Custody Decree/parenting Plan/Residential Schedule). The objection must be served on all persons entitled to time with the child.

The relocating person shall not move the child during the time for objection unless: (a) the delayed notice provisions apply; or (b) a court order allows the move.

If the objecting person schedules a hearing for a date within 15 days of timely service of the objection, the relocating person shall not move the child before the hearing unless there is a clear, immediate and unreasonable risk to the health or safety of a person or a child.

Warning: Violation of residential provisions of this order with actual knowledge of its terms is punishable by contempt of court and may be a criminal offense under RCW 9A.40.060(2) or 9A.40.070(2). Violation of this order may subject a violator to arrest.

Dated:

Judge/Commissioner

Presented by:

Signature of Party or Lawyer/WSBA No.

Print or Type Name

Approved for entry:

Signature of Party or Lawyer/WSBA No.

Print or Type Name

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What an Order on Show Cause Re Contempt Is

An Order on Show Cause Re Contempt is a court-issued directive that requires a named party to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt for failing to obey a prior court order. It sets a hearing date, summarizes the alleged noncompliance, and informs the respondent of potential sanctions if they cannot demonstrate compliance or a valid excuse.

Why This Order Matters to Case Progress and Compliance

The order provides an expedited mechanism for courts to enforce earlier judgments or injunctions while preserving due process. It focuses judicial attention on alleged breaches and creates a formal record that supports enforcement remedies if the respondent fails to cure or justify noncompliance.

Why This Order Matters to Case Progress and Compliance

Who Prepares and Responds to an Order on Show Cause

Timely, accurate preparation and service are essential to preserve enforcement options and avoid default sanctions or adverse credibility findings.

  • Plaintiff or movant counsel prepares proposed findings and a proposed order for the judge's signature.
  • Court clerk schedules the show-cause hearing and serves the order per local rules.
  • Respondent or defense counsel files a written response and appears at the hearing to avoid sanctions.

Who Can Sign and Authorize the Order

Presiding Judge

The judge or magistrate assigned to the case signs and issues the Order on Show Cause; their signature gives the document judicial force and sets hearing parameters, deadlines, and potential sanctions for noncompliance.

Court Clerk

A court clerk may enter ministerial details such as docketing the order, setting hearing dates, and serving parties consistent with local rule requirements; the clerk does not substitute for the judge's signature on dispositive matters.

Core Components of a Professional Order on Show Cause Re Contempt

A complete order uses precise language and includes specific items a court needs to evaluate alleged contempt. Use clear dates and citations to prior orders to avoid ambiguity and ensure predictable enforcement.

Caption

Court name, case caption, docket number and party names presented exactly as in the underlying case documents.

Recitation

Summary of the original order or judgment allegedly violated, including date and exact provisions at issue to establish a factual basis.

Allegations

Concise statement describing the conduct or omission claimed to constitute contempt with supporting factual detail and dates.

Show Cause Directive

A clear command that the respondent appear on a specified date to show cause why they should not be held in contempt.

Hearing Instructions

Date, time, location, filing deadlines for any written response, and format (in-person, remote).

Potential Sanctions

Range of civil or criminal remedies the court may impose, such as fines, incarceration, attorney fees, or coercive remedies.

Required Information and Key Fields to Include

Case Caption: Exact case title
Docket Number: Courts use this identifier
Prior Order: Date and citation
Alleged Acts: Specific conduct
Hearing Date: MM/DD/YYYY format
Judge Signature: Judge or judicial designee

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Filing an Order on Show Cause

Follow these steps in sequence to prepare, file, serve, and present an Order on Show Cause so the court can rule efficiently and preserve enforcement options.

  • 01
    Draft Order: Prepare a concise order referencing the prior order and specific alleged violations.
  • 02
    Submit to Court: Provide the proposed order to the judge or judicial chambers for signature.
  • 03
    File and Docket: File the signed order with the clerk and confirm docket entry and hearing date.
  • 04
    Serve Parties: Serve the order and accompanying papers according to local rules—personal, mail, or electronic service as allowed.

How to Configure an Online Workflow for Issuing the Order

Set up a repeatable digital workflow for drafting, review, judicial signature, filing, and automated service to reduce manual errors.

Field Configuration
Template Prepopulate case caption and docket number
Review Step Route draft to chambers and movant counsel
Signature Step Enable judge e-signature or clerk notarization
Service Automation Send orders to parties via approved delivery method

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Confirm the court accepts electronically signed orders and e-file submissions; retain audit logs and signed copies for the record and potential appeals.

  • File Formats: PDF or PDF/A required
  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, or advanced ID
  • Integrations: Court e-file connectors available

Typical Routing: From Draft to Hearing

A clear routing path avoids delays: prepare the proposed order, obtain judicial approval, file with the clerk, serve the respondent, and appear at the scheduled hearing.

  • Drafting: Movant prepares proposed order referencing prior adjudication.
  • Judicial Approval: Judge reviews and signs the order for filing.
  • Clerk Filing: Order is docketed and hearing date confirmed.
  • Service: Order served on respondent per local rules.

Penalties and Risks for an Incorrect or Defective Order

Contempt Sanction: Fine or imprisonment
Civil Remedies: Attorney fees and coercive orders
Default Judgment: Adverse ruling risk
Appeal Grounds: Reversal for procedural defects
Service Defect: Vacatur or delay
Credibility Loss: Court may weigh negatively

Common Pitfalls When Preparing an Order on Show Cause

  • Using vague language that fails to identify the exact provision of the prior order alleged to be violated, which can lead to dismissal for lack of specificity.
  • Setting hearing dates without confirming court availability or service windows, causing continuances and procedural objections from opposing counsel.
  • Failing to attach or cite the controlling prior order or judgment, preventing the court from readily assessing the predicate for contempt.
  • Incorrect service method or incomplete proof of service, resulting in jurisdictional challenges and potential vacatur of sanctions.

eSignature Pricing Comparison Relevant to Filing and Signing Orders

Compare common vendor characteristics when choosing an eSignature solution for preparing, notarizing, and serving court orders; signNow is listed first for comparison alignment.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 env/user/yr Varies Varies Varies

FAQs: Common Questions About Orders on Show Cause Re Contempt

Answers to frequent procedural and practical questions about drafting, serving, e-signing, and challenging an Order on Show Cause Re Contempt.


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