Court Opinion

ID: 9625548
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 07:44:10.260392+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:25:49.634644
License: Public Domain

HODGES, Vice Chief Justice
(dissenting) :
I disagree with that portion of the majority opinion that allowed the appellee $24,000 alimony.
At the request of the appellant, the ap-pellee quit work when they were married, and after seventeen years of marriage, at the age of fifty, she is now ill-equipped for any gainful employment. On the other hand, appellant acquired a college degree during the marriage, earned promotions in the service, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel at the age of 39 with a retirement pay of $812.85. Although he was not employed at the time of trial (he just recently retired), the evidence shows, by his own testimony he was capable of earning a salary of $1,250.00.
Considering these factors, the amount of $24,000 is woefully inadequate. In my opinion, the appellee should be awarded alimony in the amount of $48,000, payable at $400.00 per month, which would terminate upon her death or remarriage.