Opinion ID: 2159963
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Power to Modify

Text: This court has observed that [t]he restrictions upon the ability of the parties to rescind contractual stipulations, ... do not apply to the power of the court to modify a [divorce] decree which may have been based upon a contractual stipulation. Becker v. Becker, 262 N.W.2d 478, 481 (N.D.1978). When a decree is based on an agreement, rather than the court's findings, the trial court should be more reluctant to revise it. Eberhart v. Eberhart, 301 N.W.2d 137, 143 (N.D.1981). But, clearly, agreed spousal support can be modified upon a showing of material change of circumstances which justifies doing so. Eberhart v. Eberhart, supra ; Cook v. Cook, 364 N.W.2d 74 (N.D.1985). In this case, the trial court expressly retained the continuing power to change support and maintenance. When a divorce decree incorporates an agreement of the parties, the other provisions of that decree are equally important. And, NDCC 14-05-24 provides: When a divorce is granted, the court shall make such equitable distribution of the real and personal property of the parties as may seem just and proper, and may compel either of the parties to provide for the maintenance of the children of the marriage, and to make such suitable allowances to the other party for support during life or for a shorter period as to the court may seem just, having regard to the circumstances of the parties respectively. The court from time to time may modify its orders in these respects.  (Emphasis added). North Dakota case law holds that an award of spousal support may be modified upon a showing of changed circumstances. [Citations omitted.] Furthermore, in determining that the district court has continuing jurisdiction in the matter of spousal support, we note that the judgment in the instant case contains an express reservation of jurisdiction over spousal support. Wikstrom v. Wikstrom, 359 N.W.2d 821, 825-826 (N.D.1984). We conclude that the trial court had the power to modify the spousal support provision in this divorce decree.