Marriage of McHugh CA4/3

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Charles and Connie wed in 1992, and have one child who was born in 1996. The couple separated in September 2009, and Charles filed a petition to dissolve the marriage that same month. Almost immediately, Connie filed an order to show cause seeking temporary child and spousal support. In November 2009, the trial court granted Connie’s request, ordering Charles to pay $2,227 in child support and $4,773 in spousal support each month. The court based its award on Charles’s monthly income of $24,159 as a successful salesman for Amcor Packaging Distribution (Amcor), and Connie’s lack of income as a stay-at-home mom. In early 2010, Charles filed an order to show cause seeking to reduce the amount of temporary child and spousal support based on his reduced income. In his supporting declaration, Charles explained he suffered a drastic income reduction in December 2009 when his largest client decided not to renew its contract with Amcor. According to Charles, he was paid on a commission, and the loss of that client cut his

3 income nearly in half. Charles also argued Connie was a licensed attorney and the court should require her to find employment. In March…