In Re Marriage of Dorris

This is an appeal by Peter Dorris, former husband, from an order of the trial court vacating certain portions of an interlocutory judgment of dissolution of marriage. Respondent Lynn M. Dorris will be referred to as former wife.

Facts

Former husband is an employee of Aramco, and at all relevant times was living and working for Aramco in Saudi Arabia. Former wife petitioned in California for dissolution of the marriage, and in 1981 an interlocutory judgment of dissolution of marriage was granted. Insofar as it is relevant to this appeal, the interlocutory judgment of dissolution provided as follows: “The Court also orders that petitioner’s diamond necklace, which contains a 3Vi carat stone, presently in the possession of respondent, is confirmed as petitioner’s sole and separate property, and respondent is ordered to return said necklace to petitioner on his next trip from Saudi Arabia.

“The Court also orders that respondent’s gold pocket watch and gold chain is confirmed as respondent’s sole and separate property.

“The Court also orders that the balance of the community property is divided as follows:

“To the petitioner, as her sole and separate property: [f] 1. A…