Bryant v. Varat

Janice R. Varat appeals an order of the Family Court which held her in contempt of court for violation of an agreement of the parties incorporated by reference in the parties’ divorce decree. The dispute concerns the proper interpretation of a provision of the agreement regarding payment by Mrs. Varat of a portion of the equity in the marital residence of James B. Bryant, Jr., Mrs. Varat’s former husband. We hold the Family Court lacked subj ect matter j urisdiction over the controversy.

The parties entered an Agreement on January 20, 1978, which contained the provision regarding division of…