Hokanson
Palmer v. Hokanson
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Curry, J.
Appellant Jon E. Hokanson and cross-appellant Mary L. Palmer challenge an order of the family court distributing the assets from the sale of the family house. We reverse in part, affirm in part, and remand.
*990 Relevant Factual and Procedural Background*
Jon and Mary were married on November 12, 1983. 2 They separated in October 1993, and Mary petitioned for dissolution of marriage.
In March 1994, Mary contacted RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty, a real estate broker, and obtained a marketing analysis of the family house located in the Palos Verdes area from Agent Lynne Droubay. Droubay recommended listing the house at $525,000. In October and December 1994, Jon’s attorney wrote to Mary’s attorney, noting that Mary had indicated her willingness to sell the house, and asking that the house be Usted for sale in January 1995.
Judgment of dissolution was filed on December 20, 1994. The judgment, inter aha, directed Jon to pay Mary $90,000 to equalize the division of community property, awarded Mary a separate property interest of $122,000 in the family house, ordered the house “to be sold as expeditiously as possible for the best price reasonably obtainable,” and acknowledged…