The Impact of In re Marriage of Feldman on Spousal Maintenance and Property Division

Summary

The case of In re Marriage of Susan and Michael Feldman highlights the crucial role of accurate asset valuation in divorce settlements, as the appellate court affirmed spousal maintenance but reversed the trial court's undervaluation of Susan's inheritance for equitable distribution, emphasizing fairness and equity for both parties in digital security concerns in divorce and custody proceedings.

In the case In re Marriage of Susan Feldman and Michael Feldman, the Illinois Appellate Court reviewed an appeal by Michael Feldman regarding the trial court's decision on spousal maintenance and property division following the dissolution of his marriage to Susan Feldman.

Background:

• Susan and Michael were married for 18 years and have two children.
• They filed for divorce in January 2020, citing irreconcilable differences.
• The initial marital settlement agreement awarded Susan 60% of the marital property, including the family home, and established maintenance payments from Michael to Susan.

Key Issues on Appeal:

1. Spousal Maintenance:
   • Michael appealed the amount of spousal maintenance awarded to Susan, arguing that it was excessive given his current financial situation, which had deteriorated due to job loss and medical expenses.
2. Property Division:
   • Michael contended that the division of property was inequitable, particularly concerning the valuation of Susan's inheritance, which she had received during the marriage.

Trial Court's Findings:

• The trial court upheld the spousal maintenance award, stating that Michael's financial circumstances justified the continued support.
• Regarding property division, the court found that Susan's inheritance was commingled with marital assets and thus subject to equitable distribution.

Appellate Court's Decision:

1. Spousal Maintenance:
   • The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, finding that the maintenance award was reasonable based on the evidence of Michael's financial needs and Susan's ability to pay.
2. Property Division:
   • The appellate court reversed the trial court's decision on the valuation of Susan's inheritance, determining that it had been undervalued. The court remanded the case for a reassessment of the inheritance's value to ensure equitable distribution.

Conclusion:

The appellate court affirmed the spousal maintenance award but reversed the trial court's valuation of Susan's inheritance, remanding the property division issue for further review. This decision emphasizes the importance of accurate asset valuation in marital settlements to ensure fairness and equity for both parties.

References

• Illinois Appellate Court Opinion on In re Marriage of Susan Feldman and Michael Feldman
• American Bar Association - Illinois Case Law Update

Full Opinion (PDF): Download the full opinion

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Written by Jonathan D. Steele

Chicago divorce attorney with cybersecurity certifications (Security+, CEH, ISC2). Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016-2025.

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