Opinion ID: 1317841
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Denial of Plaintiff's Motions

Text: We agree with the district court in its refusal to exercise contempt sanctions against the defendant. Contempt is a matter which must be peculiarly within the discretion of the trial court and the mere fact that defendant intentionally ceased payments does not, in view of his showing as to considerably straitened circumstances, indicate a flagrant disregard of his obligations under the judgment nisi. He formally indicated to the Monmouth Probation Department such inability, and the district court has found such material change in circumstances as to justify modification of the alimony and support payments order. We also point out, in line with Strahan v. Strahan, 400 P.2d 542, 545 (Wyo. 1965) that refusal to issue contempt citation or permitting purging such contempt upon payments in a manner different from that provided in the judgment has no bearing upon plaintiff's right to have the arrearages reduced to final judgment and to proceed as upon any other money judgment to collect the same. We know of no statute or decision permitting one who has not paid an ordinary money judgment (the judgment of June 20, 1964) to be cited for contempt. The remedy in such case is limited by the provisions of § 1-442, et seq., W.S. 1957 and our examination of the record discloses no evidence that defendant was guilty of any of the acts justifying the issuance of such execution.