In re Estate of Bonham

SCHWELB, Associate Judge:

Marlene F. Bonham-Leonard appeals from a Superior Court order holding her in civil contempt and ordering her conditionally imprisoned for ninety days for nonpayment of counsel fees and costs awarded to opposing counsel by order of the trial court. Because contempt, and in particular imprisonment, are inappropriate remedies in such a case, we reverse.

I

This case began as a probate matter. The contemnor, Ms. Bonham-Leonard, has an interest in her late mother’s estate. At the time when the original dispute arose, Ms. Bonham-Leonard was living in her mother’s home. After…