Civil Contempt
- Guidelines for Judicial Practice
Abuse Prevention Proceedings

Civil Contempt

9:00 Civil Contempt. The court that issued a c. 209A order may enforce it by means of a proceeding for civil contempt in addition to, or in lieu of, criminal proceedings. The purpose of civil contempt is to coerce compliance with a court order, not to punish the defendant for violating an order.

Such proceedings should involve a civil complaint filed by the plaintiff, specifying the alleged violation, notice to the defendant and a hearing on the complaint. Actions for contempt filed in the Probate and Family Court should be on the pre-printed complaint form and are governed by the Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure. [Commentary]  [Top]

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