Ex Parte Combs

This is an original proceeding for a writ of habeas corpus.

The trial court found the relator in contempt of the child support provisions of a divorce decree dated December 9, 1971, and ordered that he be confined in the County Jail of Chambers County for a period of 30 days and thereafter until he had purged himself by paying $16,450, the amount found as arrearage, plus court costs, including attorney’s fees in the amount of $500. Pursuant to the contempt order, the trial court issued an order of commitment dated February 15, 1982, ordering that relator be taken into custody.

In his petition…