Court Opinion

ID: 9731814
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 15:59:03.468081+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:26:21.385682
License: Public Domain

WAHL, Justice
(dissenting).
Because I believe that sufficient facts exist to support the trial court’s finding that a clear and substantial change in circumstances has occurred, I must respectfully dissent. It is well-settled that the decision whether to modify a decree for maintenance or child support because of a change in the financial circumstances or needs of a party is left to the sound discretion of the trial court and that the court’s decision should not be reversed unless the evidence clearly shows that there has been an abuse of that discretion. Bissell v. Bissell, 291 Minn. 348, 191 N.W.2d 425 (1971); Fitch v. Fitch, 298 Minn. 529, 213 N.W.2d 925 (1974). The record here reveals that appellant’s income has increased steadily over time, but respondent’s wages have risen only slightly, from approximately $220 per month to $288 per month. This is an amount substantially less than she needs to meet her monthly expenses. Considering these facts in light of the additional evidence that her home is in substantial disrepair and that all her other expenses, including those related to the care of a minor son, have increased, I *373cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion by increasing respondent’s maintenance. I would therefore affirm.