Opinion ID: 1114416
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Bernard Ellis

Text: Bernard first testified that he agreed to pay Glenda periodic alimony of $175.00 a week until the marital residence was sold, whereupon alimony would increase to $750.00 a month. He stated that he wished to terminate alimony or in the alternative, reduce the amount of alimony to a sum that he could afford to pay. Bernard based this on his semi-retirement from his psychiatric practice, health, and Glenda's relationship with Smith. Bernard testified that since the divorce decree was entered he had experienced hypertension, congestive heart failure, bypass heart surgery, cataract surgery, and high blood pressure. He explained that he was sixty-eight years old and had been practicing medicine for thirty-three years. Bernard testified that he resigned from the Community Counseling Hospital, which reduced his income to approximately $90,000 a year. He testified that he also had to reduce the number of counties he covered for Community Counseling because of arteriosclerosis in his legs which caused clogged arteries and thus reduced the number of miles he could drive. Bernard testified that he had a gross monthly income of $6,050.00, with payroll deductions for social security ($765.00), state tax ($200.00), and federal tax ($1200.00) which left him with a net monthly income of $3,885.00. Bernard stated that his current monthly bills include a house payment ($878.00); food, transportation, house supplies, ($1,011.00); medicare and insurance ($143.00); utilities, laundry, maid, and yard work ($262.00). This leaves a balance of $1,082.00. Bernard testified that he retained the marital residence when the divorce decree was entered. Bernard admitted on cross that he reduced his workload to stop and smell the roses and because of problems at work. He also admitted that in his April 14, 1993, deposition that he stated that he was in perfect physical health. Bernard owned two lots during the marriage and purchased three more lots from his son Steve Ellis after the divorce. He sold the marital residence to Steve for $90,000 but it had been appraised for $150,000. He also bought Steve's home for $54,000 and had no payments on the home. He stated that he had a new roof put on the marital residence at a cost of $7,000 and plumbing repairs of $300 to $400. He currently lives in a home he purchased from Callie S. McGraw for $31,500. He also paid for repairs on that home totaling $7,000. Bernard also stated that he purchased a 1991 Toyota for $18,000.