Post-Divorce Issues Such as Contempt Actions in Hawaii – Oahu

Honolulu HI Divorce Lawyers – Family Law Attorneys

Since the divorce process can be so emotionally taxing, people are generally very relieved when the decree becomes final and they can turn the page and officially enter the next chapter of their lives. While it is true that the terms of the divorce that were originally agreed to or ordered by the court will be in place on the day that the divorce is finalized, these terms should not be considered permanent. As we are all aware, things change as life goes on, and the original divorce terms are based on the facts as they existed at that time. But as circumstances change, post-divorce issues often times need to be addressed, and this can actually happen more than once and involve more than one different component aspect of the divorce terms.

The most common type of post-divorce issues are financial. When payments are decided upon, like child support and/or spousal maintenance payments, the amount is based on the financial situation of each respective former partner at that time. When people make more or less money over time, it impacts the amount that is appropriate, and these changes of circumstance can warrant a modification in the amount of child support or spousal support that must be paid. Often times these modifications can be made voluntarily, but the court can be petitioned to order a modification if necessary.

Another type of post-divorce matter that is sometimes necessary is the filing of a contempt action. This is done when one of the parties involved is violating a court order. The most common reason why someone may want to file a contempt action is due to a failure to pay court ordered child support. This is a very significant problem in our culture today, with some 25% of child support payments never being made at all and half of them not being paid in full. If the party who is delinquent is found to be in contempt of court, he or she is guilty of a crime and can be punished as the court sees fit. Contempt actions can also be appropriate in cases of spousal support delinquency and as a response to violations of restraining or protective orders.

For more information about post-divorce issues such as contempt actions, contact an experienced Honolulu HI family lawyer to arrange for a free consultation.