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Case No. 23-1544

In re Marriage of Williams

County:
Story

Beverly Behar Williams, Petitioner-Appellee

Ronald Christopher Williams, Respondent-Appellant

Attorney for Appellant

Andrew B. Howie

Attorney for Appellee

Brian J. Humke

Logan J. Eliasen

Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals Opinion

Opinion Number:
23-1544
Date Published:
Oct 16, 2024
Summary

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, James C. Ellefson, Judge.  AFFIRMED AND REMANDED.  Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ.  Opinion by Chicchelly, J.  Partial dissent by Ahlers, P.J.  (14 pages)

            Ronald Christopher Williams appeals the economic provisions of the decree dissolving his marriage to Beverly Behary Williams, contending the property distribution and spousal support are inequitable.  OPINION HOLDS: Because both provisions are equitable, we affirm.  We also award Beverly appellate attorney fees, but because we lack an attorney‑fees affidavit, we remand to the district court to determine the appropriate amount.  PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: Although I agree with the majority’s decision to affirm the property distribution and award of traditional spousal support, I would not affirm the amount of the spousal support award or the award of appellate attorney fees.  In my view, the statutory factors support a smaller monthly spousal-support award.  As I would modify the spousal support amount, I would also deny the wife’s request for appellate attorney fees.

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