In re Marriage of Thompson,2024 IL App (1st) 240079-U

In the case In re Marriage of Rashida Thompson v. Christopher Thompson, the Illinois Appellate Court upheld the trial court's judgment regarding the dissolution of marriage between Rashida Thompson (petitioner-appellant) and Christopher Thompson (respondent-appellee). The marriage began on August 13, 2011, and they had three children together, as well as adopted each other's emancipated children.

Rashida filed for dissolution on January 24, 2022, citing irreconcilable differences and requested primary custody of the minor children, child support, maintenance, property distribution, and attorney fees. Christopher admitted to irreconcilable differences but contested Rashida's requests related to the children, maintenance, and attorney fees.

The trial court held hearings and entered a judgment on December 12, 2023, which detailed property allocations, maintenance, and child support obligations. Rashida's claims regarding asset dissipation were dismissed by the court as insufficient.

On appeal, Rashida raised issues about the property allocation, maintenance calculation, and dismissal of her dissipation claim. However, the appellate court found that her appeal was unreviewable due to the lack of an adequate record or a report of the trial proceedings, which meant they could not assess her claims. Petitioner’s brief also failed to meet the procedural requirements set by Illinois Supreme Court rules.

Thus, the appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment, presuming the trial court's actions were lawful due to the unavailability of a complete record for review. The decision reaffirms the importance of an adequate appellate record to support claims of legal error.