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Case No. 21-1918

In re the Marriage of Rachael Kay Sokol and David Langdon Sokol

The supreme court granted Rachael Sokol’s application for further review of the opinion of the court of appeals affirming and modifying the decree of dissolution of her marriage to David Sokol. Rachael argues the court of appeals erred by increasing the duration as well as the amount of her spousal support obligation by $2,000 per month, when David does not need more than $5,000 per month to meet his monthly obligations.

County:
Polk

Rachael Kay Sokol, Petitioner-Appellee-Applicant

David Langdon Sokol, Respondent-Appellant-Resister

Attorney for Applicant

Stacey N. Warren

Attorney for Resister

Kate Simon
   Tyler J. Johnston

Supreme Court

Oral Argument Schedule

Non-Oral

Dec 14, 2022 1:30 PM

Briefs

Supreme Court Opinion

Opinion Number:
21-1918
Date Published:
Jan 27, 2023
Date Amended:
Apr 03, 2023

Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals Opinion

Opinion Number:
21-1918
Date Published:
Aug 17, 2022
Summary

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeanie K. Vaudt, Judge.  AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED.  Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ.  Opinion by Schumacher, J.  (17 pages)

            David Sokol appeals the decree dissolving his marriage to Rachael Sokol.  He contends the court erred in providing Rachael tie-breaking authority within the award of joint legal custody.  He also claims the court erred in its property distribution, the amount and duration of spousal support, and in declining to award David trial attorney fees.  On appeal, both parties request appellate attorney fees.  OPINION HOLDS: We determine the district court improperly awarded Rachael tie-breaking authority in its joint-custody arrangement and its award of spousal support was inequitable.  We affirm the court’s property distribution and the court’s refusal to award David trial attorney fees.  We remand for an award of reasonable appellate attorney fees to David.  

Other Information

Date Further Review is Granted:
Nov 02, 2022

View archived opinions from prior to November 2017

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