Opinion ID: 2224784
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Proof of Substantial Change in Circumstances.

Text: Our review is de novo; we give weight to the findings of the trial court but are not bound by them. Iowa R.App.P. 4 & 14(f)(7). Our duty is to examine the entire record and adjudicate rights anew on those questions properly presented. In re Marriage of Novak, 220 N.W.2d 592, 597 (Iowa 1974). The burden is on the party seeking modification of a dissolution decree to prove a substantial change in circumstances from the time the decree was entered which makes modification of the decree equitable and just. Even if a substantial change is shown, we will not modify the terms of the decree unless its enforcement will be attended by a positive wrong or injustice as a result of changed conditions. Ellis v. Ellis, 262 N.W.2d 265, 267 (Iowa 1978). Iowa Code section 598.21(8)(1987) states in part: In determining whether there is a substantial change in circumstances, the court shall consider the following: a. Changes in the employment, earning capacity, income and resources of a party. .... c. Changes in the medical expenses of a party. .... f. Changes in the residence of a party. g. Remarriage of a party. .... k. Other factors the court determines to be relevant in an individual case.... During the marriage, Elizabeth was the homemaker and mother of their two children. She was not employed outside of the home and did not have vocational skills or training. Soon after the dissolution of marriage she secured employment at a health care center. Her initial wage of $3.35 per hour has increased to $4.13 per hour. Her gross annual wage at the health care center has increased from $6600 in 1983 to $8100 in 1987. Her net income is approximately $500 per month while her current expenses are $900 per month. During the marriage Richard graduated from the State University of Iowa and then returned to Hamburg, Iowa to work in his family nursery business. His gross annual wage of approximately $20,500 has remained the same from the time of the marriage dissolution until the modification hearing. He has taken additional college courses in accounting in anticipation that he would be losing his nursery job later in 1987. The nursery was involved in bankruptcy proceedings which would soon be completed. His net income is approximately $1400 per month, while his current expenses are $950 per month. Elizabeth suffered stress and emotional problems at the time of the dissolution. She had been hospitalized for alcohol-related problems. She remains an alcohol-dependent person. At the time of the dissolution she was living in a duplex, paying $140 per month rent. She now is living in an apartment paying $199 per month rent. Under the terms of the decree Richard was given the right to possess the parties home pending its sale. After the home was sold in 1982, he purchased another home and is making house payments of $250 per month. Richard remarried in 1983 and his wife, Cheryl, is a supervisor at the health center. Her annual gross wages average over $10,000. We consider the language of this decree a relevant factor. In Schlenker, we suggested that the unknown earning potential of a spouse would properly be considered in determining if an extension of alimony was justified. See In re Marriage of Schlenker, 300 N.W.2d 164, 166 (Iowa 1981). The employment potential of Elizabeth was unknown at the time the dissolution decree was entered. Her income and earning capacity can now be established. When we consider all of the circumstances, including Elizabeth's needs and Richard's ability to provide support, we find it equitable and just that the decree be modified as provided by the trial court. Because Elizabeth did not cross-appeal from the district court order we cannot now consider awarding an increase in the amount of alimony. See Sandler v. Sandler, 258 Iowa 84, 86-87, 137 N.W.2d 591, 592 (1965).