Civil Contempt and “Springing” Orders for Arrest

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The following post was written by Daniel Spiegel, a North Carolina Assistant Appellate Defender. It addresses the legality of a purge condition frequently imposed in civil contempt orders entered in child support enforcement proceedings across North Carolina.

This is a very important topic. Please share your thoughts and reactions.

MEMORANDUM ON THE UNLAWFULNESS OF “SPRINGING” ORDERS FOR ARREST UPON FUTURE NONPAYMENT OF PURGE PAYMENTS IN CHILD SUPPORT CIVIL CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS WITHOUT CONTEMPORANEOUS INQUIRY INTO ABILITY TO PAY

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