When a party fails to comply with a court order, the aggrieved party can petition the court for a “Rule to Show Cause.” In family law cases, the violation often involves nonpayment of spousal or child support. It could also involve noncompliance with child custody/visitation terms, property distribution, or any part of a marital settlement agreement if that agreement was incorporated into a court order or term of an order. If issued, the Rule to Show Cause will command the violator to come to court and show why he or she should not be held in contempt of court for failing to comply with the order. Sanctions for willful noncompliance with a valid order include monetary, jail and other sanctions.