Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

This case is in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

My daughter�s husband abandoned her and his child. The first court hearing was in February of 09. This past August the court ordered him to pay, within 90 days, all court cost, legal fees and back child support under penalty of arrest and jail. He has paid nothing. My daughter�s lawyer tells her that since *he* didn�t pay the court fees the court won�t precede with issuing an arrest warrant, i.e. everything is frozen until *he* pays. Basically she, my daughter can do nothing about it. If her lawyer is correct how are dead beet dads ever forced to live up to their responsibilities?

Concerned Mother


Asked on 10/29/09, 6:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Is the lawyer saying that since deadbeat has not paid the court costs that no further court proceedings can occur? You and/or your daughter misunderstood. If what you wrote was true, then all defendants would simply not pay court costs and go about their business with no worry of further actions against them. File a contempt rule against deadbeat ordering him into court to show cause why he should not be found in contempt and sentenced to jail. All your daughter will have to do is pay the cost of that filing or file as a pauper. One cannot be denied their right to file pleadings because they cannot afford to pay costs.

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Answered on 11/04/09, 5:22 am


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