Child Support - Enforcement Hearing in Florida | Matthew Lane & Associates, P.A.

Florida Rulings Child Support – Enforcement Hearing in Florida A party who is called by his opponent to testify on direct, has the right to testify during rebuttal as well. “Accordingly, we reverse the order finding appellant in contempt. Further, on remand we direct that a new evidentiary hearing be held because appellant, over objection, was prevented from presenting rebuttal evidence before the contempt order was entered. A person facing civil contempt is entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard. See Bresch v. Henderson, 761 So. 2d 449, 451 (Fla. 2d DCA 2000). Although appellant had been called to the witness stand by appellee and testified on direct and cross-examination, he was not allowed to present his own case in rebuttal. By preventing appellant from presenting any rebuttal evidence, he was denied the opportunity to be heard. See Hipschman v. Cochran, 683 So. 2d 209, 211 (Fla. 4th DCA 1996)” Ramirez v. Ramirez