In Re the Marriage of Ananeh-Firempong

Husband appeals from a further judgment on reserved issues. He raises several issues regarding the orders and findings of the trial court. The crucial issue that we are called upon to decide is whether a request for a statement of decision pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 632 can be oral. We conclude that it can and reverse and remand with directions to issue a statement of decision regarding the method of valuation of Husband’s medical practice. Other than the finding regarding the valuation of the Husband’s medical practice, the rest of the judgment is affirmed in all respects.

Factual and Procedural Synopsis

Husband and Wife were married on June 7, 1978, and separated on June 13, 1984. Following a judgment of dissolution, a trial on reserved issues was held in January 1988.

1. The Mercedes Benz

The court found that the 1979 Mercedes Benz automobile was community property and awarded it to Husband at the value of $13,000. The court stated that it weighed heavily Husband’s deposition testimony of October 1984, at which time, he had stated that the vehicle had been purchased in 1983.

Husband testified during trial that he had purchased this vehicle in…