Opinion ID: 2055953
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Finality of Decree

Text: Before reaching the complaints concerning support and alimony, we discuss and dispose of one other issue raised by this appeal. It concerns the trial court's retention of jurisdiction to review the alimony, support, and custodial provisions of the decree. Although stopping short of forbidding the practice, we have discouraged the retention of jurisdiction to modify divorce decrees without a showing of change of circumstances. In re Fenchel, 268 N.W.2d 207, 209 (Iowa 1978); In re Stom, 226 N.W.2d 797, 799 (Iowa 1975); Shipley v. Shipley, 182 N.W.2d 125, 127 (Iowa 1970); Wells v. Wells, 168 N.W.2d 54, 57 (Iowa 1969); Tallarico v. Tallarico, 164 N.W.2d 805, 807 (Iowa 1969); Betzel v. Betzel, 163 N.W.2d 551, 554-55 (Iowa 1968). What we learn from these cases is that trial courts should make final disposition of cases on the circumstances then existing. There may be exceptional cases justifying a departure from this rule although we do not foresee circumstances in which a dissolution court is justified in issuing its decree piecemeal. Fenchel, 268 N.W.2d at 209. Of course, the trial court, always retains jurisdiction by statute to modify a divorce decree upon proof of change of circumstances. Betzel, 163 N.W.2d at 554. The question is whether it may do so absent such a change. Only when the decree unequivocally provides for later trial court review without the necessity of showing a change of circumstances will we say this was the trial court's intent. Otherwise we consider statements concerning retention of jurisdiction as mere expressions of already existing authority. Betzel, 163 N.W.2d at 555 (language not intended to permit modification without proof of change of circumstances); Wells, 168 N.W.2d at 57 (stipulation of parties and language of decree clearly demonstrate intent to modify without requiring a change of circumstances.) In the present case the decree included this provision: The court shall retain jurisdiction so as to review the provision concerning alimony at the end of two years from the date of filing. Regarding custody, the decree said custody and visitation may be reviewed by the Court upon the application of either party within the next six months. We confess to some doubt concerning the trial court's intent in making these provisions part of the decree. However, we believe what was said fits more the pattern of Betzel (where the decree was held to be final) than that of Wells (where we said it was not final). In keeping with our reluctance to recognize piecemeal decrees, we hold the one now before us was final and can be modified only upon a proper showing of change of circumstances. This brings us to our de novo review of petitioner's specific complaints about alimony, support, and attorney fees. She makes no protest concerning the division of property.