Case Name: Patrick B. OSTMAN, Appellant, v. Loretta J. OSTMAN, Appellee
Court: Florida District Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction: Florida
Decision Date: 2007-12-21
Citations: 970 So. 2d 502
Docket Number: No. 2D04-5449
Parties: Patrick B. OSTMAN, Appellant, v. Loretta J. OSTMAN, Appellee.
Judges: NORTHCUTT, C.J., Concurs.
Reporter: Southern Reporter, Second Series
Volume: 970
Pages: 502–504

Head Matter:
Patrick B. OSTMAN, Appellant, v. Loretta J. OSTMAN, Appellee.
No. 2D04-5449.
District Court of Appeal of Florida, Second District.
Dec. 21, 2007.
Elizabeth S. Wheeler of Berg & Wheeler, P.A., Brandon, for Appellant.
Stacey L. Turmel and Shirin Rustomji of Stacey L. Turmel, P.A., Tampa, for Appel-lee.

Opinion:
SALCINES, Judge.
Patrick B. Ostman, the Former Husband, appeals from a postdissolution modification order that approved and confirmed a general master's recommendations with respect to the modification of alimony previously awarded to Loretta J. Ostman, the Former Wife. The general master's conclusion that there was a material, substantial, involuntary, and permanent change in the Former Wife's circumstances was not supported by competent, substantial evidence and thus did not provide a basis for an upward modification of the original permanent periodic alimony award. Hence, the trial court abused its discretion in approving the general master's recommendations concerning the modification of the permanent periodic alimony award. Furthermore, the decision concerning the modification of the permanent periodic alimony award cannot be affirmed on an alternative basis. Accordingly, we reverse the modification order to the extent that it retroactively and prospectively increased permanent periodic alimony and established an alimony arrearage.
Reversed and remanded.
NORTHCUTT, C.J., Concurs.
FULMER J., Concurs specially.
. In her petition for modification, the Former Wife also sought a modification of child support. The initial order entered by the trial court approved and confirmed the recommendations of the general master in all respects except for child support. Matters pertaining to child support were ultimately resolved by a joint stipulation of the parties that was ratified by court order. Finally, the Former Wife has not filed a cross-appeal from the termination of rehabilitative alimony. The only issues before this court relate to the modification of the permanent periodic alimony award.