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When They Stop Following the Rules, We Step In

It's exhausting to track missed payments or broken agreements on your own. We'll help you hold the other party accountable and get your order enforced the way it should be.

Let's Get Started On Your Case

How We Help With Contempts

We help you document the violation clearly, file the appropriate contempt action, and pursue enforcement, whether that means recovering missed payments, correcting custody violations, or seeking other remedies the court allows. We're direct about whether contempt is the right tool for your situation, or whether a modification makes more sense instead.

Why a Contempt Lawyer Matters?

A contempt action addresses situations where a former spouse or co-parent isn't complying with an existing court order, whether that's missed support payments, violated custody terms, or ignored provisions of a divorce judgment.

  • Missed or inconsistent child support or alimony payments
  • Violations of a custody or parenting time order
  • Failure to transfer property or assets as ordered in a divorce judgment
  • Repeated disregard for court-ordered terms
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Our Process

We believe you should always know where your case stands and what's coming next. Here's a look at how we work together, from that very first conversation to your final resolution.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We listen first, then give you an honest assessment.

Step 2: Strategy & Filing

We map out a plan built around your goals and your budget.

Step 3: Negotiation & Litigation

We push for resolution where possible, and advocate firmly in court when necessary.

Step 4: Resolution & Next Steps

We help you move into your next chapter with confidence, including warm handoffs to financial or estate professionals if needed.

Key Contempt Considerations

Enforcing a court order in Massachusetts requires meeting a specific legal standard, not just proving the other party fell short. Here's what typically matters most when pursuing a contempt action.

The person filing must show the other party had a clear court order and the ability to comply, but failed to do so.

Remedies can include payment of missed amounts, attorney’s fees, or other court-ordered corrective action.

Frequently Asked Contempt Questions

You probably have a lot of contempt questions; that's completely normal. Here are a few we hear most often, and honest answers to go with them.

1 : What qualifies as contempt?

Generally, a knowing and willful violation of a clear, existing court order, such as missed support payments or violated custody terms.

2 : What can I recover through a contempt action?

Depending on the violation, remedies may include missed payments, compliance with the original order, and in some cases, attorney’s fees.

3 : What if the order itself no longer fits our situation?

That may call for a modification instead of, or alongside, a contempt action. We’ll help you determine the right path.

What Our Clients Are Saying

We take pride in providing the best customer experience for first initial contact to the last.

Justine

Samantha was a breath of fresh air to work with after a negative experience with another mediator. She is a consistent communicator, and she swept in and quickly fixed everything we needed with great efficiency....

Samantha was a breath of fresh air to work with after a negative experience with another mediator. She is a consistent communicator, and she swept in and quickly fixed everything we needed with great efficiency. My only regret is not hiring her from day one!

Kevin

Attorney Surette clearly explained the process to me and how I should proceed with each step. She handled my case expeditiously and efficiently.

Attorney Surette clearly explained the process to me and how I should proceed with each step. She handled my case expeditiously and efficiently.

Kendra

Add testimonial description here. Edit and place your own text.Samantha helped me tremendously as I ended a 25-year marriage. The process can be overwhelming so it helps to have someone who can guide you through...

Add testimonial description here. Edit and place your own text.Samantha helped me tremendously as I ended a 25-year marriage. The process can be overwhelming so it helps to have someone who can guide you through the steps and share their knowledge in a meaningful way. Of all the people I know who've gone though a divorce, I think I experienced the easiest proceedings due in large part to Samantha's legal knowledge.

Jeana

I had the honor of working with Attorney Samantha Surette, as she represented me and guided me throughout a very challenging process of child custody and divorce. Attorney Surette is very professional along with being...

I had the honor of working with Attorney Samantha Surette, as she represented me and guided me throughout a very challenging process of child custody and divorce. Attorney Surette is very professional along with being strategic and one step ahead of the game. She made communication easy and her quick responsiveness was very helpful. Attorney Surrette helped me navigate through such an emotionally daunting time. Even after our time working together came to an end, she still continued to check in on myself and my family.

Eddy

Attorney Surette works very hard on behalf of her clients. In my case, she examined all options and advised me appropriately. Despite the challenges that arose, attorney Surette was steadfast in her approach. She pressed...

Attorney Surette works very hard on behalf of her clients. In my case, she examined all options and advised me appropriately. Despite the challenges that arose, attorney Surette was steadfast in her approach. She pressed forward with our strategy and presented the evidence that led my case to a fair outcome. Without Attorney Surette's steadfast approach, the outcome of my case would have been different and not necessarily as fair.

Ready to Enforce Your Order?

You don't have to accept being ignored. We'll make sure you're heard.

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