Responding to a motion for contempt in Connecticut family court

The deadline to watch

For many motions, you have 5 business days from the date the motion was filed to object in writing. Business days are Monday through Friday, not counting court holidays. Even when a hearing is scheduled, filing a written objection early tells the court your side before the event.

Check your Appearance too. You need a current Appearance (form JD-CL-12) with a valid email on file to receive notices. For a remote court event, file it at least 5 days before the event if you have not already.

The facts that matter

Your written response goes through the motion's claims and states what is true, what is not, and what it leaves out. The facts courts hear in contempt matters include:

• You followed the order, with the records that show it
• You could not follow it for reasons outside your control, and what those reasons were, with dates
• The order is unclear about what you were supposed to do
• The other party agreed to the change they are now complaining about, and when
• The amount claimed is wrong, and what the correct figure is

Specifics carry the day. "I paid $200 by Zelle every Friday from January through April, and told her by text the day I lost my job" does more than "I always paid when I could." Gather your bank records, payment history, texts and emails, and any calendar or log before the court event.

Fees can go either way

Connecticut law lets the court award a reasonable attorney's fee, plus the marshal's fee for serving the citation, against a person found in contempt. It also lets the court award a reasonable attorney's fee to a person who is found not in contempt. The statute cuts both ways, which is one more reason the facts and records matter.

If money orders are involved

If the motion concerns child support, alimony, or fees, both parties' sworn Financial Affidavits (form JD-FM-6) must be on file at least 5 business days before any hearing, and the Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines Worksheet (form CCSG-1) is required at any hearing on child support.

If you agree, or reach an agreement

You and the other party can resolve a contempt motion by written agreement, signed by both of you, that the court can approve without a hearing. Our guide on responding to a motion covers the agreement forms and when each applies.

Before you file, check four things

1. 1.The caption matches the case: the same party names, docket number, and court.
2. 2.Your response names the motion it responds to by its exact title.
3. 3.Every fact you state carries its date or amount.
4. 4.You have a copy for yourself and a copy for the other party.

Filing online

You can file through the Judicial Branch's E-Services system at eservices.jud.ct.gov. Enroll to create a User ID and password, activate your account through the emailed link, then request electronic access to your case, which the clerk approves if someone else started the case. Choose your User ID carefully; it cannot be changed and appears on every document you file. If the deadline is close and you are not yet enrolled, paper filing at the clerk's office is the safer route.

What happens next

The court event goes forward, in person or remote, as a hearing or a Resolution Plan Date. At a Resolution Plan Date you talk to Family Services first, and a judge then considers any agreement or issues orders. At a hearing, the judge hears both sides and decides. Bring your records. Keep every order the court enters.

Where to get help

Connecticut's Court Service Centers offer free help for self-represented parties. The clerk's office can answer questions about procedure but cannot give legal advice. Legal aid organizations serve people who qualify. If you want legal advice, talk to a licensed Connecticut attorney.