In Re Marriage of Huntington

Ann K. Huntington appeals from a judgment of dissolution of marriage. She contends the judgment must be reversed because the trial court failed to render a written statement of decision. She further urges the trial court adopted an erroneous interpretation of Civil Code section 4801 and abused its discretion in awarding her spousal support of $5,000 a month for a period of only six months and in denying her request for attorney fees and costs.

Statement of the Case

On March 27, 1989, respondent filed a petition for legal separation from appellant; he subsequently filed a petition for dissolution of marriage on April 27, 1989, and an amended petition for dissolution of marriage on July 21, 1989. The parties had been married on August 24, 1985, and separated three years and seven months later on March 28, 1989.

Trial proceeded on October 22, 23, 30 and 31, 1990. The trial court ordered spousal support of $5,000 per month for a period of six months, to permanently terminate thereafter, and ordered the parties to bear their own attorney fees and costs. Appellant had been receiving temporary spousal support of $7,500 per month since May 1, 1989, and her attorney had…