In North Carolina, parties can enter a variety of agreements and can be subject to court orders. These agreements can include prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, separation and property division agreements, parenting agreements, and other contracts. Court orders can include orders relating to equitable distribution, spousal support, child custody, child support, and many others. Depending on the nature of the agreement or order, parties can seek enforcement against a non-compliant party by way of breach of contract proceedings or contempt proceedings.
Breach of contract refers to violation of the agreed-upon terms and conditions of a contract or agreement. In family law proceedings, these violation are typically observed with the terms of prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and separation and property division agreements. When a contract is breached in North Carolina, the Court can order a number of remedies to make the non-breaching party whole, including specific performance of obligations, injunctive relief, financial compensation, and damages.
Whether you are seeking to enforce a contract or agreement, or are defending against claims that you have breached a contract or agreement, our experienced attorneys are ready to help you. We are here to help guide you through the process and reach the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or for answers to your questions about enforcement of contracts or agreements.
Contempt refers to a person’s conduct in disobeying the express terms of a court order. In North Carolin, contempt is governed by Chapter 5A of the North Carolina General Statues and can include two forms of contempt: civil contempt and criminal contempt. In order to find a party in contempt, the Court must identify willful disobedience of a court order. Once contempt is identified, and the Court identifies whether such contempt is subject to civil contempt or criminal contempt, the Court can order a disobedient party to serve a period of imprisonment of up to thirty days for each act of contempt, or otherwise sanction a party, including ordering payment of fines, court costs, or the non-delinquent party’s attorney’s fees.
Whether you are prosecuting or defending a contempt claim, our experienced attorneys are ready to help you. We are here to help guide you through the process and reach the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or for answers to your questions about contempt.