Quick Summary:
<p>In <strong>In re Marriage of Susan Feldman and Michael Feldman</strong>, the Illinois Appellate Court reviewed Michael Feldman’s appeal over spousal maintenance and property division after divorce....
Full Case Summary
In In re Marriage of Susan Feldman and Michael Feldman, the Illinois Appellate Court reviewed Michael Feldman’s appeal over spousal maintenance and property division after divorce.
Background: Married 18 years, two children. The marital settlement gave Susan 60% of marital assets (including the home) plus maintenance from Michael. Michael argued his finances had worsened from job loss and health expenses, so the maintenance award was excessive. He also challenged the valuation of Susan’s inheritance.
Trial Findings: The court upheld spousal maintenance, noting Michael’s situation still warranted supporting Susan. But it deemed Susan’s inheritance commingled, making it subject to equitable distribution.
Appellate Decision: It affirmed the maintenance award, seeing it as reasonable given the evidence. However, it reversed and remanded the inheritance valuation, saying it was undervalued. The trial court must reassess the inheritance to ensure an equitable split.
Conclusion: Maintenance stands, property division about the inheritance must be revisited. The ruling underscores accurate asset valuation for fairness in dissolution proceedings.