In re Marriage of Gerber, 2024 IL App (2d) 220244-U.pdf

Full Case Summary

In In re Marriage of Lawrence Gerber and Laura Gerber, the Illinois Appellate Court addressed Lawrence’s appeal after a dissolution judgment. The trial court valued the marital businesses at $9.798 million and found his $87,335.15 payment of attorney fees (post-breakdown) was dissipation.

1. Business Valuation: The court upheld an expert-appointed $7.05 million value for the marital share of Scholarships.com and American Student Marketing, rejecting Lawrence’s arguments for separate valuations.
2. Dissipation of Assets: The appellate court reversed part of the dissipation findings (the $600,000 loan from Lambertucci Roma and $860,000 from Marlac proceeds), insufficiently supported by evidence.
3. Equitable Distribution: Lawrence claimed the property division was inequitable due to heavier debt assigned to him. The appellate court remanded for clarifications and possibly new orders on marital debts.
4. Indemnification & Contempt: The court found it within trial-court authority to order indemnification on joint debts. Lawrence’s contempt petition against Susan’s counsel was properly dismissed.

Ultimately, the court affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for further proceedings regarding marital debts and revised property division. More detail on obligations is needed for equitable distribution.