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.
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:
Date Published:
Date Amended:
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
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.