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Contempt hearings move quickly. Judges expect clear proof of payments, income, and communication between parents. Whether you are accused of non-payment or trying to enforce an order, a well-organized checklist keeps you from overlooking records that show your position. This guide explains what to prepare, how to document common disputes, and how to use our free PDF checklist to stay on track.

What this checklist is

The child support contempt hearing preparation checklist is a structured list of documents, evidence, questions, and witnesses to gather before court. It covers both sides: the payor who must prove payments or financial hardship, and the recipient who needs to show missed payments and efforts to collect. The printable PDF includes space for categories, status tracking, and notes so you can prioritize tasks and avoid last-minute scrambles.

Unlike a simple to-do list, this checklist focuses on evidence courts regularly ask for: payment logs, bank statements, employment records, communications about payments, and witness names. Using a consistent format also helps attorneys or self-represented parties quickly review the file.

When you need one (with scenario bullets)

You received a contempt summons for missed child support payments and must show proof of what you paid.
You filed a contempt motion because ordered payments stopped and you need organized evidence of non-payment.
Your income recently changed and you need to document efforts to modify the order or set a payment plan.
You expect disputes about informal payments (cash, gift cards, direct purchases) and need receipts or messages.
You are working with legal aid and want a single PDF that summarizes tasks and documents already gathered.

What to include (checklist)

Case name/number and court location with the hearing date.
Your role: Payor (accused of not paying) or Recipient (claiming non-payment).
Recent child support payment log with dates, amounts, confirmation numbers, and methods.
Bank statements or pay stubs showing income, garnishments, or deposits.
Texts/emails about payments, payment plans, or disputes over amounts.
Proof of expenses or hardships (medical bills, job loss documentation) if you are the payor requesting relief.
Witnesses who can verify payments, attempts to pay, or communication history.

Step-by-step to generate/use/file it

Open the Child Support Contempt Hearing Prep Checklist tool. Enter your case name/number, court, hearing date, and role.
Review the pre-filled tasks (payment log, bank statements, text messages) and adjust categories such as Documents, Evidence, Questions, Witnesses, or Other. Add new items like subpoenas or exhibits you plan to introduce.
Mark the status for each item (Not started, In progress, Ready) and add notes such as subpoena return dates or who is responsible for obtaining records.
Download the PDF and place it at the front of your case file. Bring supporting documents in clearly labeled folders that match the checklist categories.

Common errors & how to avoid them

Relying on screenshots alone: export payment histories or bank statements that show full dates and account info.
Forgetting informal payments: log cash, gift cards, or direct purchases with receipts and messages confirming agreement.
Missing income proof: bring recent pay stubs, unemployment statements, or tax returns to explain ability to pay.
Skipping communication records: print texts or emails about payment arrangements or disputes to show good faith.
Waiting until the hearing: start requests for bank records or employer letters early because processing can take days.

Example scenarios

Payor alleging hardship: You fell behind after job loss. The checklist reminds you to gather termination letters, unemployment filings, and job search logs, plus to request a modification. Notes track whether garnishments are already in place and whether you proposed a payment plan.

Recipient enforcing arrears: You allege six missed payments. The checklist prompts you to print your payment log, pull bank statements showing no deposits, and collect texts where the other parent acknowledged the missed payments. You also list witnesses who saw exchanges fall through.

Dispute over informal payments: The payor claims they paid with groceries and school supplies. The checklist includes a category for evidence where you attach receipts and messages showing whether those purchases were intended as support or gifts.

FAQ

Do I need original receipts? Bring originals when possible, but scanned copies with clear dates and amounts are better than missing records.

Can this replace a payment log? No. Use it alongside a detailed payment log and attach the log to the checklist packet.

What if the other parent paid through garnishment? Include pay stubs or employer letters showing the amounts withheld and dates.

How often should I update it? Update after every payment, communication, or filing so you arrive at the hearing with current information.

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Disclaimer: This guide is informational and not legal advice. Court requirements vary by state and judge. Consult a lawyer or legal aid organization about your specific situation.