Legal Website for Ronald A. Ernst, Esquire

All Family Court Orders are enforceable by a Rule to Show Cause.  Essentially a Rule to Show Cause requires the party accused of not obeying an Order to appear in court and explain their failure to obey.  If the party is found in willful contempt of an Order, the party may be incarcerated, charged a civil fine or required to do public service employment.  The party can purge him or herself of contempt by coming into compliance with the Order; however, the party will generally also be ordered to pay the other party's attorney fees and court costs.  All issues addressed by a Family Court Order are enforceable by a Rule to Show Cause.  Although the Rule to Show Cause can have a punitive effect, its primary purpose is to gain compliance of the Order, not punishment.