Arrearages/Back Support

A person who has been ordered to pay child support or spousal support must pay according to the order or they may face a contempt charge, also known as a Rule to Show Cause.  A contempt charge can originate from the Clerk of Court's office ("clerk's rule") or from the party awarded the support ("private rule").  A clerk's rule will be automatically generated from the Clerk's office and served on an individual by the county sheriff.  A private rule is brought by an attorney on behalf of a payee and will be served on the individual by a process server or a sheriff's deputy.  The potential punishment for contempt is up to one year in jail, up to $1,500.00 in fines and/or up to 300 hours of community service.