Section 2101.23. Contempt

The probate judge may keep order in the judge's court and has authority throughout the state to compel performance of any duty incumbent upon any fiduciary appointed by or accounting to the judge. The probate judge may punish any contempt of the judge's authority as that contempt might be punished in the court of common pleas.

If a person neglects or refuses to perform an order or judgment of a probate court, other than for the payment of money, the person is guilty of contempt of court, and the judge shall issue a summons directing the person to appear before the court within two days from the service of the summons and show cause why the person should not be punished for contempt. If it appears to the judge that the person is attempting to avoid the process of the court or is about to leave the county for that purpose, the judge may issue an attachment instead of the summons, commanding the officer to whom it is directed, to bring the person before the judge to answer for contempt. If no sufficient excuse is shown, the person shall be punished for contempt.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.52, SB 124, §1, eff. 1/13/2012.

Effective Date: 10-01-1953