D. Fuller

The Office of the Children's Lawyer brought a motion for a penalty after the respondent estate trustee was found in contempt for failing to pass accounts as ordered.

Despite being given 60 days to purge his contempt, the respondent failed to do so and only retained counsel two days before the penalty hearing.

Emphasizing the need for deterrence and respect for court orders, the court sentenced the respondent to five days imprisonment, granted an additional 60 days to purge the contempt, and ordered him to pay $2,500 in costs personally.

The moving party, the former husband, brought a motion to change a 1993 spousal support order, seeking to terminate or reduce his support obligations following his retirement.

The responding party, the former wife, opposed the motion and sought an increase in support to $750 per month.

The court found that while both parties had retired, the responding party continued to suffer economic disadvantage from the marriage and required ongoing support.

The moving party's motion was dismissed, and the responding party's request for an increase was granted, raising the spousal support to $750 per month.