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Bill > SF521


IA SF521

IA SF521
A bill for an act relating to payment of reasonable attorney fees for contempt relative to a dissolution of marriage proceeding.(Formerly SF 374.)


summary

Introduced
03/05/2025
In Committee
03/19/2025
Crossed Over
03/19/2025
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill allows a court that finds a person has willfully disobeyed a temporary order or final decree in a dissolution of marriage proceeding to direct the person to pay the reasonable attorney fees incurred by a party as a result of the person’s actions constituting contempt.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Iowa Code Section 598.23, which relates to legal proceedings in dissolution of marriage cases, by adding a new provision that allows courts to require a person found in contempt of court to pay the reasonable attorney fees of the other party. Specifically, if a person willfully disobeys a temporary order or final decree in a divorce proceeding, the court can now direct that person to reimburse the other party for legal expenses incurred as a result of their contemptuous actions. This provision gives courts an additional tool to enforce compliance with divorce-related court orders and provides financial recourse for the party who has been forced to take legal action to compel compliance. The bill aims to create a deterrent against willful non-compliance and help offset the legal costs incurred by a party seeking to enforce court-ordered terms in a divorce proceeding.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Judiciary (Senate)

Last Action

Tabled until future meeting. (on 03/27/2025)

bill text


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