What Does a Court Order Require You to Do?

What This Notice or Action Is

A court order is a formal directive from a judge requiring you to do (or not do) something. It has the force of law, and violating it can result in contempt of court, fines, jail time, or other penalties. Court orders can be temporary or permanent, and cover everything from paying money to staying away from someone.

What Law or Rules Typically Govern It

Types of Court Orders

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): Emergency order, usually lasts 10-14 days
Preliminary Injunction: Temporary order pending trial
Permanent Injunction: Final order after trial
Money Judgment: Order to pay specific amount
Protective Order: Order to stay away from person or property
Discovery Order: Order to produce documents or answer questions
Contempt Order: Order finding violation of previous order

Enforcement Powers

Contempt of court: Civil or criminal contempt for violations
Fines: Daily fines until compliance
Jail: Incarceration for willful violations
Wage garnishment: For money judgments
Property liens: Liens on real estate or personal property
Asset seizure: Sheriff can seize property to satisfy judgment

Key Elements of Court Orders

Specific requirements: Exactly what you must do or not do
Deadlines: When you must comply
Duration: How long the order lasts
Consequences: What happens if you violate
Modification procedures: How to request changes

What Pro Se Litigants Commonly Misunderstand

❌ "I can ignore it if I disagree with the order"

Reality: You must comply with court orders even if you think they're wrong. You can appeal or seek modification, but you must obey while doing so.

❌ "It's just a civil matter, so there's no jail time"

Reality: Even in civil cases, you can be jailed for contempt of court if you willfully violate an order.

❌ "I can comply partially or when I feel like it"

Reality: You must comply fully and by the deadline. Partial compliance is still a violation.

How to Research This Issue

Step 1: Read the Order Carefully

What exactly are you required to do?
What are you prohibited from doing?
What are the deadlines?
How long does the order last?

Step 2: Identify Specific Requirements

Make a list of each requirement
Note the deadline for each
Identify what evidence of compliance is needed
Determine if you need help complying (attorney, accountant, etc.)

Step 3: Understand Consequences of Non-Compliance

Does order specify penalties?
Research contempt procedures in your jurisdiction
Understand potential fines, jail time, or other sanctions

Step 4: Determine If You Can Comply

Do you have the ability to comply?
If not, can you request modification?
Do you need to appeal the order?
Should you seek legal help?

Practical Considerations

⚠️ Comply First, Challenge Later

Even if you plan to appeal or seek modification, you must comply with the order unless a court stays (suspends) it.

How to Comply

Document everything: Keep records of compliance
Meet deadlines: Don't wait until last minute
Get proof: Receipts, photos, witness statements
File proof with court: If order requires it
Notify other party: If order requires notice

If You Cannot Comply

File motion to modify: Explain why you cannot comply
Request stay pending appeal: If appealing the order
Show impossibility: Must prove compliance is impossible, not just difficult
Act quickly: Don't wait until after deadline

Modifying or Appealing Orders

Motion to modify: Ask same court to change order
Motion to reconsider: Ask court to reconsider its decision
Appeal: Ask higher court to reverse order
Stay pending appeal: Request suspension of order while appealing

When to Consider Consulting an Attorney

⚖️

Order threatens jail time

If order includes possibility of incarceration

⚖️

Cannot comply with order

If compliance is impossible or would cause severe hardship

⚖️

Contempt proceedings filed

If other party files motion for contempt

Red Flags and Urgent Situations

🚨 Deadline Approaching

Less than 7 days to comply with order

🚨 Contempt Motion Filed

Other party alleges you violated order

🚨 Protective Order

Order to stay away from person—violation can mean arrest

Next Steps

✅ Immediate Actions

Read the entire order carefully
Make a list of all requirements and deadlines
Calendar all deadlines with reminders
Determine what you need to do to comply
Start compliance process immediately

📋 Compliance Steps

Complete each requirement by deadline
Document all compliance efforts
Keep receipts, photos, or other proof
File proof of compliance if required
Notify other party if required

🎯 If You Cannot Comply

File motion to modify BEFORE deadline
Explain why compliance is impossible
Propose alternative compliance method
Request hearing if needed
Consult attorney if facing contempt