In Re Ringgold

I. INTRODUCTION

Petitioner, Nina Ringgold, an attorney, seeks a writ of habeas corpus directing the respondent court to annul a June 2, 2006, order adjudging her in direct contempt of court. Ms. Ringgold, the former trustee of a trust, was held in direct contempt of a June 2, 2006 oral order, issued in open court, to sign a document giving the current trustee access to trust property in a storage facility. The duty to sign the document arose from a prior December 16, 2005 order to cooperate and turn over documents, which would allow trust property to be distributed to beneficiaries. There are two written contempt orders — a June 2, 2006 minute order and a June 6, 2006 contempt order. The two written contempt orders do not mention the prior December 16, 2005 order. Hence, the two June 2 and 6, 2006 written orders fail to meet the jurisdictional requirements of Code of Civil Procedure section 1211, subdivision (a). As a result, the contempt orders are void.

II. BACKGROUND

Ms. Ringgold is a beneficiary and former trustee of the Aubry Family Trust. She was terminated as trustee by court order on March 10, 2005. Myer J. Sankary, an attorney, is the current trustee.…