relative to contempt actions in domestic relations matters.

This bill updates the rules for handling contempt of court cases within family division matters, such as divorce, child support, and custody disputes. It clarifies that contempt occurs when someone willfully refuses to follow a clear court order while having the ability to do so, and it places the responsibility on the person seeking enforcement to prove this violation by a preponderance of the evidence. If a court finds a party in contempt without a valid excuse, it can award legal fees to the other side or order the non-compliant party into jail until they obey the order. These changes apply to all cases under the family division's jurisdiction and will take effect on January 1, 2025.