Marriage of Brown CA2/2

FACTS

In February 2008, Joan Brown petitioned to dissolve her 32-year marriage to Donald Brown, Jr. They have no children. Donald responded to the petition in September 2008. A trial was sought on the issues of spousal support and the division of property. Joan submitted an income and expense declaration to the court in January 2009. She declared that she is a 54-year-old cosmetologist who last worked in 1995. She lives on $550 in government benefits, less a Medicare payment of $96. She has savings of $100 and property worth $300,000. Her monthly expenses (including mortgage and food) are $2,232. Joan estimated that Donald‟s monthly income is $1,415. Joan and Donald continued to live in the family home, which was for sale at a reduced price due to its deteriorated condition and the accumulation of garbage, car parts and junk that Donald collected over the years. Donald refused to pay any of the expenses associated with the home, despite living in it. Joan was forced to sell community and separate property to cover living expenses. The parties‟ home sold in February 2009 for $186,416. Donald refused to vacate the residence or remove his belongings after escrow closed. Further,…