FCRPP 11.Contempt proceedings
Last amended February 1, 2020 · Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of FCRPP 11
Amendment History
Kentucky publishes each rule’s amendment record as a “HISTORY” note beneath the rule, citing the Supreme Court order that adopted or amended it and that order’s effective date. It is reproduced verbatim below.
HISTORY: Adopted by Order 2020-1, eff. 2-1-20
Plain-English Summary
Protective order cases put petitioners in a position no other litigant occupies: the person the order protects may have reasons of safety, fear or circumstance for not appearing, and treating that as contempt would punish the victim. So no petitioner may be held in contempt for failing to appear at a domestic violence or interpersonal protective order hearing, or for failing to prosecute a civil or criminal contempt violation of a protective order, except for good cause shown on the record.
There is still a consequence, and the rule says it plainly: failure to appear may result in denial of the petition. The protection is against contempt, not against losing the case.
On the other side, anyone facing contempt in these proceedings is entitled to counsel. The party subject to contempt is represented by counsel unless they waive it, and the court appoints an attorney if the party qualifies as indigent — which reflects that contempt in a protective order case can carry jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be held in contempt for not attending my own protective order hearing?
No petitioner shall be held in contempt for failure to appear at a domestic violence or interpersonal protective order hearing, or for failing to prosecute a contempt violation, except for good cause shown on the record.
What happens if I do not appear?
Failure to appear may result in denial of the petition.
Do I get a lawyer if I am accused of violating a protective order?
In contempt proceedings in these actions the party subject to contempt is represented by counsel unless waived, and the court appoints an attorney if the party qualifies as indigent.