Howard v. Howard

Summary

The court affirmed the denial of Wife's contempt petition because the settlement agreement was facially ambiguous about whether Wife was entitled to a survivor benefit under Husband's military pension. An ambiguous provision cannot support a contempt finding because the alleged obligation was not expressed in definite terms. The court also held that it had jurisdiction because Wife filed her application before the statutory transfer of divorce jurisdiction. Wife may still seek clarification and a determination of the parties' intent.