Show Cause

  1. File

  1. Pay

  1. Continuance
    (PDF)

  1. Summons

Show Causes are FREE and may be filed directly with the Clerk’s Office whenever someone has disobeyed a Court Order.

Civil Show Cause

A civil show cause pleading requests the court to determine whether the respondent/defendant is guilty of violating a court order;

  • the burden of proof is on the petitioner by the greater weight of the evidence;
  • if the judge finds the respondent/defendant is in violation of the court order, the judge may:
    • incarcerate the defendant/respondent until the defendant/respondent demonstrates a willingness to comply with the court order; or
    • direct the defendant/respondent not to violate the order in the future.
  • a civil show cause does not allow the court to impose a specific period of incarceration or a fine.

Criminal Show Cause

A criminal show cause pleading requests the court to determine whether the respondent/defendant is guilty of violating a court order;

  • the burden of proof is on the petitioner by beyond a reasonable doubt;
  • if the judge finds the respondent/defendant in violation of the court order, the judge may:
    • incarcerate the defendant/respondent for a fixed period of up to 12 months; and/or
    • impose a fine of up to $2,500

Neither a civil nor a criminal show cause allows the judge to modify or change the existing custody/visitation/support order.

Required Affidavit must accompany ALL Show Causes: