Court Opinion

ID: 9709404
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 03:46:48.247757+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:22:48.489965
License: Public Domain

HOFFMAN, Judge,
dissenting and concurring.
I dissent in part and concur in part. I dissent as to Issue I regarding the property settlement agreement (Agreement). The term "fixed" as used in the Agreement clearly imparts the intent of the parties that the amount of the periodic "alimony" not be modified. I cannot agree with the majority's opinion that the term "fixed might mean no more than the amount is unaffected by minor fluctuations in the payor spouse's income or payee spouse's need." "Fixed" has a clear and definite meaning:
"la: securely placed or fastened: not ad-Jjustable: permanently and definitely located: STATIONARY, IMMOVABLE ...."
Webster's Third New International Dictionary (G & C Merriam Co.1976). The clear and unambiguous language of the contract requires that the specific amount of the "alimony" payments remain unchanged. To conclude otherwise is to rewrite the parties' contract.
Additionally, Michael, himself, stated that by using the specific term "fixed" within the Agreement it was his intent that the amount of the "alimony" payments never rise and that the amount could not be adjusted. As he explained, the amount of the payments was not based on his income; rather, the amount was based on what the parties had determined Angie's need to be. The trial court correctly determined that the parties' intent, as shown by the Agreement and supported by their testimony, was that the amount of the "alimony" payment be fixed and not subject to modification by the court. This Court is not at liberty to write the parties' contract.
I concur as to Issue IL.