Opinion ID: 1279429
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Alimony or Child Support

Text: It is determined law of Wyoming by statute and case law that alimony provisions, even if originally created by agreement, are subject to modification for change of circumstances, but property settlement provisions cannot be similarly modified. Bjugan v. Bjugan, Wyo., 710 P.2d 213 (1985); McMillan v. McMillan, Wyo., 702 P.2d 1279 (1985); Hendrickson v. Hendrickson, Wyo., 583 P.2d 1265 (1978); Salmeri v. Salmeri, Wyo., 554 P.2d 1244 (1976); Lonabaugh v. Lonabaugh, 46 Wyo. 23, 22 P.2d 199 (1933). We concur with the decision of the trial court that as to Darla Johnson the $3,400 monthly payments were alimony. This conclusion is based on terminology of the separation agreement in conjunction with the observation that essentially all of the community property acquired by the parties went to Darla Johnson by the agreement, and any present money payments in addition, as further property settlement arrangements, would not make sense. Additionally, that is what the parties designated the payment to be. This court is directed to seek enforcement of the intent of the parties in written agreements of the parties unless otherwise excusable by different legal principles. Chorney v. Chorney, Wyo., 383 P.2d 859 (1963). See Hurd v. Nelson, Wyo., 714 P.2d 767 (1986). Cf. McMillan v. McMillan, supra. Determinative in this case is the phrase in the agreement such obligation shall cease if the Wife dies or remarries. Neagle v. Neagle, Wyo., 481 P.2d 661 (1971). The parties designated the payments by agreement to be alimony and the provisions made were compatible with the description utilized.