Step 3. Notify the other party about the court case

How do I tell the other party about the case?

If the order is from a case that is currently open, you don’t need to have a marshal serve the papers. You can mail a copy of the Motion for Contempt through regular U.S. mail. While it is fine to send the Motion for Contempt via regular mail, it is a good idea to try to get confirmation that the other party received the Motion. You may want to send the Motion via certified mail with delivery confirmation, or by using both regular and certified mail.

If it is an old case that has been closed, you will have to have a marshal serve the other party with a copy of the motion. You can find a list of state marshals on the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. You will need to give the marshal these papers:

• A completed marshal’s letter (see a sample letter) that explains where to find the other party so he or she can be served,
• the original Motion for Contempt with the court hearing date, and
• one copy of the motion to be given to the other party.

Is there a deadline to notify the other person?

The other party must be mailed a copy of the motion or served by a marshal at least 12 days before the date of the hearing. Proof of mailing or delivery must be made to the court at least 6 days before the hearing.