In Re the Marriage of Murray

Bearl Edward Murray appeals from an order in this dissolution action deciding reserved issues of spousal support, the division of community property, and attorney fees and costs. We will affirm.

The case began in 1991, when Bearl petitioned for a divorce from his estranged wife, Carole, who was then living in Texas. On Carole’s request, the court ordered Bearl to pay her $800 per month in temporary spousal support. The order was based in large part on the court’s finding Bearl had been evasive and untruthful in disclosing his income and assets.

The court also ordered the Murrays, pursuant to a stipulation between them, to sell their house in Southern California. The house was sold later that year for $170,000. The Murrays’ net recovery from the sale, approximately $82,000, was immediately attached by one of Bearl’s creditors to help pay off business and personal debts.

Bearl asked the court in 1992 to modify the support order on the ground both his health and his business had since failed, and he was deeply in debt. On June 25, 1992, the court (Judge Oberholzer) “suspended” Bearl’s support obligation but reserved the right to reinstate it retroactively.

Bearl filed a…