Does anyone know the maintenance laws in CA back then? I know where I live, maintenance was tax deductible by the party paying and taxed as income to the party receiving. That was just amended within the past few years; again, where I live not sure about CA family law.
There is no way the dissolution judgment would have allowed maintenance to end upon remarriage of either party. Betty's remarriage, yes. No way for Dan's remarriage. If that were the case, every spouse who is ordered to pay would remarry as soon as the dissolution judgment was handed down to weasel out of paying their ex.
I don't think the judge had any other option than to accept Dan's valuation of his business. Betty didn't offer evidence to rebut it. Had she had an attorney, that would have been done, along with the ridiculous notion that Betty did not contribute financially to the marriage while Dan was in school. She really screwed the pooch representing herself. The judge didn't have to be paid off; Betty's actions all but secured their settlement would go in Dan's favor.
As for the child custody matter, she did herself in on that, too. Among other things, the Court looks for which parent would encourage frequent, meaningful and continuing contact with the other parent. Obviously Betty wasn't the best candidate for that issue.
