Filing a motion for contempt when a court order is ignored

Be specific, it is required

The motion must state:

1. 1.The exact language of the order. Copy the words from the order or approved agreement, not a paraphrase.
2. 2.Exactly how it is not being followed. Specific acts with dates. "Missed the support payment due April 1, 2026. Did not return the children on April 12, 2026 as scheduled."
3. 3.If money is owed, the total amount due, stated as of the date of the motion or another date you name.

A motion that says "he never follows the order" does not meet the rule. One that lists each missed payment with its date does.

What you can ask for

The form asks the court to find the other party in contempt and enter any other appropriate orders, and it has a checkbox to request an Immediate Income Withholding Order for support. Requests the court hears in contempt matters include an order to comply, payment of everything owed, make-up parenting time, wage withholding, and payment of your attorney's fees and the marshal's fees.

On fees, the statute cuts both ways: a court may award a reasonable attorney's fee against the person found in contempt, and may award one to the other party if it finds no contempt. File on facts you can show.

Gather your proof

The court decides on evidence: bank records or payment history, texts, emails or letters, a calendar or log of missed visits, witnesses, police reports. Organize them by date before the court event.

Money paperwork

If the order at issue is 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.

Filing, the fee, and service

Fill out the form, keep a copy for your records, and file it with the court clerk's office. After judgment, the court charges a fee to file a motion; if paying it would be a hardship, the Application for Waiver of Fees asks the court to waive it. See our guide on court fee waivers.

After judgment, service by a state marshal is often required so the other party is formally notified of the motion and the court date. The clerk can tell you what your case needs.

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.

What happens next

The court schedules a court event, which may be a hearing or a Resolution Plan Date where you talk to Family Services first. Bring your records. If you and the other party reach an agreement, the judge can consider it that day, or a signed written agreement can be submitted for approval without a hearing. Keep every order the court enters; it is the baseline for anything that comes next.

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.