A Washington Order to Go to Court for Contempt Hearing (Order to Show Cause) is a court order issued by a judge to a party in a civil or family law case. It requires the party to appear in court and show why they should not be held in contempt of court. The Order to Show Cause sets forth the specific facts and allegations that the party must answer in order to avoid a finding of contempt. There are two types of Washington Order to Go to Court for Contempt Hearing (Order to Show Cause): an Order to Show Cause for Civil Contempt and an Order to Show Cause for Criminal Contempt. An Order to Show Cause for Civil Contempt is generally used when a party has failed to comply with a court order, such as failing to pay child support or violating a restraining order. An Order to Show Cause for Criminal Contempt is generally used when a party has willfully and intentionally disobeyed a court order or acted in a manner that is disrespectful to the court. The Order to Show Cause will specify the date, time, and location of the hearing. At the hearing, the party must present evidence and/or arguments as to why they should not be held in contempt. The court will then make a determination whether the party is in contempt and, if so, what type of punishment is appropriate.