Beyond arguing that the court Order is not clear and unequivocal or that the other side has just not met its burden, there are a couple of defenses. 

A common one is an inability to follow the court Order.  For example, if someone is ordered to pay alimony and loses their job and is not able to satisfy their requirement. However, the better avenue is to file a Modification arguing to change the circumstances and the court still might find that there is an ability to take money out of a savings account or other funds from someplace else.

Another example is if visitation is denied but a child has COVID, the custodial parent has COVID or there is a transportation issue or something like that.  It would be something that would be beyond the parents’ control.

 Another issue is whether the other party agreed to or consented to the change.  For example, if a parent agrees to change the parenting schedule for some reason, both parties agree to and that would be an example of agreeing to pay less child support, alimony, or something of that nature. However, the person making the consent argument must prove to the defense and any documentation of that would be helpful. It can also be the case where the court won’t necessarily find somebody in contempt but will still order the amount of child support or alimony to be paid. The judge also has the discretion to change the court Order on a Contempt action.