Conduct that Courts Regard as Unacceptable During Divorce
Short of studying individual case rulings or relying on a divorce lawyer’s extensive experience, where a court draws the line on unacceptable behavior in divorce cases seems rather subjective. Most people have common sense about actions that may be unacceptable. However, when addressing sensitive issues in divorce, people’s emotions get the best of them.
The Montgomery County Court, Texas District Court and courts throughout Montgomery County order parties in a lawsuit to refrain from certain behavior through a standing order they issued in 2009.
Prohibited conduct includes:
- Language that is vulgar, profane, obscene, or indecent or a coarse or offensive manner when communicating with the other person, whether face-to-face, by telephone, or in writing
- Threats of taking unlawful action against the other party whether in person, by telephone, or in writing
- Telephoning at unreasonable hours in an offensive or repetitious manner without a legitimate purpose for communication or doing so anonymously
- Causing bodily injury to the other party or to either party’s child
- Threatening imminent bodily injury to the other party or either party’s child
- Diverting mail or opening mail addressed to the other party
Either party’s violations of the standing order during divorce or a child-related lawsuit can result in their being held in contempt of court. Penalties for contempt generally include fines and jail time.
When emotions get heated during a custody or divorce action, it is best for spouses to seek legal counsel and let their Texas divorce lawyers help them handle the situation or be their voice in the legal system.