In the Matter of the Paternity of S.M.J. (Kansas 2017)

In an indirect contempt proceeding, the individual must be physically present. If necessary, the Court can issue a bench warrant to compel attendance. The father in this case appealed a contempt finding that resulted from a hearing he did not attend, even though he had been properly served. The language of the indirect contempt statute provides the remedy for compelling attendance – a bench warrant. While the statutory language is permissive, the Appellate Court found this procedure is fair and complies with due process.