Full question:
My wife and I have lost a law suit for $28,000. We have been ordered to complete a Florida Rule of Civil procedure form 1.977. We strongly object to filling in that part of the form that asks the names and addresses of our children. They are all over the age of 45. None live in the State of Florida. What can the reprecussions be if we refuse to give this information?
- Category: Civil Actions
- Subcategory: Settlements
- Date:
- State: Florida
Answer:
A finding of contempt of court may result from a failure to obey a lawful order of a court, showing disrespect for the judge, disruption of the proceedings through poor behavior, or publication of material deemed likely to jeopardize a fair trial. A judge may impose sanctions such as a fine or jail for someone found guilty of contempt of court. Florida statutes don't impose limits for punishment of contempt.
The following are FL statutes:
38.22 Power to punish contempts.--Every court may punish contempts against it whether such contempts be direct, indirect, or constructive, and in any such proceeding the court shall proceed to hear and determine all questions of law and fact.
38.23 Contempts defined.--A refusal to obey any legal order, mandate or decree, made or given by any judge either in term time or in vacation relative to any of the business of said court, after due notice thereof, shall be considered a contempt, and punished accordingly. But nothing said or written, or published, in vacation, to or of any judge, or of any decision made by a judge, shall in any case be construed to be a contempt.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
