In the Matter of the Estate of Chris Combis

Syllabus

George Combis and Chris Combis (collectively, Appellants) appeal the circuit court's order finding them in civil contempt and imposing a joint and several award in the amount of $70,000 to be paid to Desa Ballard, as personal representative of the estate of Chris 'Pop' Combis (the Estate), as compensatory contempt. Appellants argue the circuit court erred in finding them in contempt, imposing a sanction that was criminal in nature, determining the sanction amount based on attorney's fees, failing to narrowly tailor the sanction to the Estate's actual loss or fees attributable to Appellants' contemptuous conduct, imposing a joint and several sanction, and failing to determine Appellants' ability to pay the sanction. We affirm in part, and reverse and remand in part.