Contempt is a court finding that a person violated a court order or interfered with the court's authority in a way that justifies enforcement measures. In Arizona family law contempt is one of the primary tools for enforcing orders that are not being followed.

Civil contempt is remedial. Its purpose is to compel compliance. A party found in civil contempt may be ordered to pay attorney fees, fines, or in serious cases face jail until they comply. A purge condition stating what the contemner can do to avoid or end the sanction is typically included.

To prove contempt the moving party must show that the other party had knowledge of a lawful court order, had the ability to comply with it, and failed to do so. A party who genuinely cannot comply with an order may have a defense. A party who chooses not to comply does not usually have a defense.