Case Name: Pauline M. Goudreault v. Rudolph A. Goudreault
Court: New Hampshire Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
Decision Date: 1980-03-05
Citations: 120 N.H. 140
Docket Number: No. 79-004
Parties: Pauline M. Goudreault v. Rudolph A. Goudreault
Judges: 
Reporter: New Hampshire Reports
Volume: 120
Pages: 140–141

Head Matter:
Rockingham
No. 79-004
Pauline M. Goudreault v. Rudolph A. Goudreault
March 5, 1980
Dalton, Dalton & Bryden, of Andover, Massachusetts (Charles F. Dalton, Jr., orally), for the plaintiff.
Shute, Engel & Frasier P.A., of Exeter (Francis J. Frasier orally), for the defendant.

Opinion:
Memorandum Opinion
The Superior Court (Contas, J.) transferred the question of reasonableness of a divorce decree. The defendant objects to the division of property and provisions for support and maintenance recommended by the Master (Nicholas G. Copadis, Esq.) and approved by Mullavey, J.
Matters of property division and alimony are for the trial court to determine in the exercise of its sound discretion. "Appeals to this court will not be successful absent a showing that there has been an abuse of discretion." (Citations omitted.) Symmes v. Symmes, 118 N.H. 488, 490, 387 A.2d 1181, 1182 (1978); Thayer v. Thayer, 119 N.H. 871, 409 A.2d 1326 (1979); Paine v. Paine, 119 N.H. 874, 409 A.2d 790 (1979). A review of the record, exhibits and the substantial transcript of testimony fails to demonstrate an abuse of discretion.
The defendant argues that the decree should be modified because of his recent inability to perform due to his poor financial situation and ill health. Both alleged conditions developed subsequent to the hearings below and were never before the trial court. We suggest that if there is "[a]ny remedy that is available [it] is in the superior court, not here." Mayo v. Mayo, 119 N.H. 697, 699, 406 A.2d 719, 720 (1979). But see, Douglas v. Douglas, 109 N.H. 11, 242 A.2d 78 (1968).
Exceptions overruled.