Pa. Cons. Stat. » 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. (DOMESTIC RELATIONS) / Chapter 43
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes

23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 4344 (2026)

 Contempt for failure of obligor to appear.

✓ current as of May 2026
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§ 4344.  Contempt for failure of obligor to appear.

A person who willfully fails or refuses to appear in response to a duly served order or other process under this chapter may, as prescribed by general rule, be adjudged in contempt. Contempt shall be punishable by any one or more of the following:

(1)  Imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months.

(2)  A fine not to exceed $500.

(3)  Probation for a period not to exceed six months.

 

Cross References.  Section 4344 is referred to in section 4345 of this title.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 1992–2014 · leading case: Godfrey v. Godfrey, 894 A.2d 776 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2006).
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Godfrey v. Godfrey, 894 A.2d 776 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2006). · cites it 4× “After careful review, we affirm that portion of the contempt finding and resultant sentence pursuant to 23 Pa.Cons.Stat.Ann. § 4344 with reference to Godfrey’s failure to attend a properly scheduled and noticed contempt hearing.”
Orfield v. Weindel, 52 A.3d 275 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2012). “23 Pa.C.S. § 4344. § 4345. Contempt for noncompliance with support order (a) General rule.”
Eadie v. Bohatch, 601 A.2d 361 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1992). · cites it 2× “Bohatch maintains, therefore, that the court was presented with a “genuine issue of material fact” as to the paternity issue.”
Lambert, D. v. Hameed, K. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2014). “23 Pa.C.S. § 4344. -3- J-S73004-14 Section 4345 governs contempt for noncompliance with a support order and states: (a) General rule.”
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