Maryland Family Law Maryland family law opinions and commentary
Estates and trusts — Civil contempt — Attorney’s fees
This Court has reviewed multiple cases related to litigation involving Sadie M. Castruccio, appellant, and the estate of her deceased husband, Dr. Peter A. Castruccio (the “Estate”), appellee.1 In this appeal, Ms. Castruccio challenges the September 28, 2017, order of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County finding her in constructive civil contempt and directing her to pay the Estate’s attorneys fees in the amount of $228,523.26.
Ms. Castruccio presents the following questions for this Court’s review: 1. Did the trial court err by holding Ms. Castruccio in contempt? 2. Did the trial court err by signing a defective and improper order? 3. Did the trial court err in failing to incorporate an appropriate purge provision? 4. Did the trial court err in awarding $228,523.26 in legal fees to the Estate?
