Don’t Be ‘Held in Contempt of Court!’

Divorce, Separation and children’s contact issues are guaranteed, at times, to provoke even the calmest amongst us into possibly taking a course of action that might be considered extreme or even ‘out of character;’ particularly if we feel that accusations or statements made about us are ‘less than accurate’ and somewhat detrimental to our reputation as a partner, parent or both.

Such issues are so very personal and therefore emotive. The trouble is, that whilst in the ‘heat of emotion,’ it’s now far easier and faster than it’s ever been to get your thoughts and feelings heard by the public in order to illustrate just how badly, in your view, your ex is behaving. Just 30 seconds on a ‘smart – phone’ can alert the entire nation, through social media, as to the behaviour of your ex and the actions and recommendations of any ‘professional’ third parties involved and of course - the courts.

‘The Contempt of Court Act 1981’ was devised to protect the integrity of any active UK court proceedings with a particular focus on publicity; the belief being that publishing something in print or online – or indeed, talking to the media in any way, with regards to your case, could prejudice proceedings. Given this,  no matter how strongly you feel about your situation and how it’s being dealt with, AVOID AT ALL COSTS the temptation to talk to the press or to post comments about it on any form of social media! To do so could find you ‘In Contempt of Court’ and this could have a detrimental impact on your case and the courts perception of your character. 

Breaking court orders will also find you ‘in contempt of court.’ The courts expect you to comply with all such orders, no matter how ‘unjust,’ ‘unfair’ or ‘ridiculous’ you might feel them to be. To be ‘held in contempt of court’ could lead to a fine or in certain situations, a custodial sentence! In a recent case ‘MA-G v Hartley’ a father, found to be ‘In Contempt of Court’ got a 10 month custodial sentence for publishing information, about his case, on Facebook.   

Any opinions, thoughts and suggestions you might have in relation to your case, should only be shared with and heard by your legal team; that’s what they are there for! 

At RJS Family Law, we pride ourselves on our attentive levels of ‘one to one’ service. We will listen carefully to your opinions and wishes and then give you first class advice to help formulate the best possible approach and outcome.