A New York Order To Show Cause For Contempt In Civil Action is a court order issued in a civil lawsuit that requires a party to appear before the court and show cause why they should not be held in contempt for failing to comply with a court order. Depending on the type of case, a New York Order To Show Cause may be issued to compel a party to comply with an existing court order, to force a party to pay a debt, or to compel a witness to appear and testify. It is often used in cases involving family law, landlord/tenant disputes, child support and alimony. There are two types of New York Order To Show Cause For Contempt In Civil Action: a direct contempt order and an indirect contempt order. A direct contempt order is issued when a party has willfully violated a court order, while an indirect contempt order is issued when a party has failed to obey a court order without any willful intent.