Civil contempt is a legal term used when a person disobeys a court order or fails to comply with a legal obligation. This type of contempt is typically aimed at enforcing the rights of a party in a civil case, such as ensuring that a parent pays child support or that a debtor fulfills a financial obligation. The goal is to compel compliance rather than to punish the individual. In civil contempt cases, the court may impose penalties, such as fines or even jail time, until the person complies with the order. Unlike criminal contempt, which is meant to punish behavior that disrespects the court, civil contempt focuses on remedying the situation for the benefit of the other party involved.