Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an attorney to file a Motion for Contempt?

You don’t need an attorney to file a Motion for Contempt, but it is a good idea to have one. If you have very low income and need legal help, call Statewide Legal Services’ telephone hotline at 860-344-0380 (Central CT & Middletown) or 1-800-453-3320 (all other areas in Connecticut) for legal advice. Statewide Legal Services does not guarantee representation.

If you do represent yourself, you can go to the courthouse that made the order and ask for help at the Clerk’s office, or at the Court Service Center if one is open at that courthouse. Court staff can answer questions about forms and help you understand the process, but they cannot give you legal advice.

If your matter is about child support, you can also get help from Support Enforcement Services. The child support hotline number in Connecticut is 1-800-228-5437.

Can I get help without going to court?

Maybe. You can contact the Family Services Office at the court where the order that was violated was made. A Family Services Counselor may be able to mediate and help resolve the problem.

Where do I file a Motion for Contempt?

If the court order was made in Connecticut, you can file a Motion for Contempt in the court that made the order.

If the court order wasn’t made in Connecticut and you have very low income, call Statewide Legal Services’ telephone hotline at 860-344-0380 (Central CT & Middletown) or 1-800-453-3320 (all other areas in Connecticut). It is likely that you will need to file paperwork in the state where the court order was made. Statewide Legal Services may be able to help you contact that state.