Opinion ID: 2491001
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Chancellor's Ruling

Text: ¶ 20. Although this was a chancery court matter, James moved for a directed verdict. [4] First, he argued that Stacy had failed to provide evidence of habitual cruel and inhuman treatment. Stacy agreed. Thus, this ground for divorce was dismissed. Next, James argued that Stacy had failed to provide evidence of habitual and excessive use of opium, morphine, or other like drugs. The chancellor found that the evidence regarding James's habitual and excessive drug use was more favorable to Stacy. James raised condonation as a defense, and Stacy objected, arguing that James had failed to plead condonation as an affirmative defense. James also argued that Stacy's adultery had caused the divorce. The chancellor stated that he could not grant a divorce to both parties and reminded James that he had failed to request a divorce on the ground of adultery. Accordingly, the chancellor denied James's motion. [5] ¶ 21. The chancellor entered the Judgment of Divorce on September 24, 2009. The chancellor found James's own admission that he had regularly smoked marijuana from fourteen years of age to fifty-five years of age was evidence that his use was habitual and frequent. The chancellor found that James's drug use was excessive and uncontrollable because James smoked daily, he could not quit, and his drug use affected his work productivity and finances. Last, the chancellor found James's marijuana use met the definition of other like drug and caused his marriage to be repugnant to his spouse. Although not the same chemical make-up as opium and morphine, the chancellor determined that marijuana had the same effect, impairing James's ability to perform his job and to support his family. ¶ 22. For those reasons, the chancellor granted Stacy's divorce on the ground of habitual and excessive use of drugs. The chancellor awarded Stacy custody of the twins, the marital home, and attorney's fees. [6] The chancellor granted James visitation and ordered him to pay child support and obtain medical insurance for the twins. ¶ 23. James filed several post-trial motions regarding his visitation and child-support obligation. The chancellor denied James's requested relief. On April 7, 2010, James filed a motion to reopen the time for appeal. The chancellor granted James's request on July 20, 2010. On July 26, 2010, James timely filed his notice of appeal.