In Re Marriage of Joaquin

Janiece Joaquin (Janiece) appeals portions of a judgment dissolving her 76-month marriage to Steven Joaquin (Steven), challenging the trial court’s characterization of certain property, the duration and amount of spousal support ordered, and the denial of her request for attorney fees. We shall reverse those portions of the judgment charging the community interest in a 97-acre almond ranch with accrued “family expenses” and denying Janiece her request for attorney fees. In all other respects, the judgment will be affirmed.

Facts

Janiece and Steven were married on May 25, 1974, and separated on September 26, 1980. There were no children of the marriage. On October 8, 1980, Steven petitioned for dissolution. Disputed issues were tried in March, April, and September 1983, and in March 1984. On May 28, 1985, judgment of dissolution was entered. Among other rulings, the court confirmed to Steven as his separate property a leasehold interest in a walnut orchard and the entire ownership interest in an almond ranch. The court further ordered spousal support be paid to Janiece in the amount of $1,000 per month, that amount to be reduced in increments from year to year, with…