Opinion ID: 1723534
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Divorce

Text: ¶ 13. In June, 1994, Hank filed for divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences, alleging that they had separated and that Carolyn was guilty of habitual cruel and inhuman treatment. Carolyn answered, admitting that irreconcilable differences had arisen between the two. She sought a dismissal of Hank's complaint and filed her cross-complaint for divorce on grounds of habitual cruel and inhuman treatment. In addition, she requested temporary relief including use of the marital dwelling in Diamondhead, Mississippi, temporary support, use of the 1991 Oldsmobile titled in her name with Hank to pay the car note, insurance and maintenance, and payment of all of her medical and counseling bills. After Hank allegedly placed a long distance block on the telephone and had a taping device installed, the chancellor entered an order on October 21, 1994 awarding Carolyn temporary, exclusive use of the marital home and restraining Hank from entering the property after noon the following day. Both parties also were enjoined from encumbering, transferring or moving any assets which could be construed as marital assets and from harassing each other in any way. ¶ 14. A hearing was held on October 18 and 19, 1994. At the beginning of the second day of the proceedings, Hank, through his attorney, announced that he was withdrawing his petition for divorce and wanted to reconcile with Carolyn. Carolyn, however, proceeded with her cross-claim for divorce. At the close of all testimony, the chancellor overruled Hank's motion to dismiss the proceedings. ¶ 15. On January 19, 1995, the chancellor granted Carolyn a divorce on grounds of habitual cruel and inhuman treatment. Finding that she had made economic contributions to the couples' accumulation of wealth and had contributed to the creation of a home environment, the chancellor made an equitable division of the couple's marital assets. Finally, finding that each party had the ability to pay, the chancellor denied Carolyn's request for attorney fees and ordered court costs to be divided equally between them. The final decree was entered on April 5, 1995. Hank's motion for reconsideration was denied by the chancellor.