William H. Davis v. Daira F. Davis ( 2001 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT KNOXVILLE
March 26, 2001 Session
WILLIAM H. DAVIS v. DAIRA F. DAVIS
Appeal from the Circuit Court for Cocke County
No. 23,867-I Ben W. Hooper, II, Judge
FILED AUGUST 13, 2001
No. E2000-02678-COA-R3-CV
This appeal from the Cocke County Circuit Court questions whether the Trial Court erred in dividing
the marital estate. Mr. Davis appeals the Trial Court’s valuation of his closely held corporation, the
payment of some debt by Mr. Davis, and the award of permanent periodic alimony to Ms. Davis.
We affirm the decision of the Trial Court as modified and remand for such further proceedings, if
any, consistent with this opinion. We adjudge costs of the appeal against the Appellant, William H.
Davis and his surety.
Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court Affirmed As
Modified; Cause Remanded
HOUSTON M. GODDARD, P.J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which CHARLES D. SUSANO, JR.,
and D. MICHAEL SWINEY , JJ., joined.
Jerry W. Laughlin, Greeneville, Tennessee, for the Appellant, William H. Davis.
K. Karl Spalvins, Knoxville, Tennessee, for the Appellee, Daira F. Davis.
OPINION
This appeal arises from a divorce between William H. Davis, the Appellant, and Daira F.
Davis, the Appellee. Mr. Davis appeals the judgment of the Cocke County Circuit Court1 and
presents for our review four issues which we restate:
I. Whether the Trial Court erred when it ruled, on remand, that the $17,767.98
payment Mr. Davis made to satisfy credit card obligations would not be credited
1
Mr. Da vis appea led the jud gmen t of the Co cke Co unty Circ uit Court fo llowing the trial on July 21, 1998.
This Court rem anded the cau se to the Trial Court for a final judgment. See Davis v. D avis, an unreported opinion of
this Cour t, filed in Kn oxville on Octobe r 4, 1999 , No. 03 A01-9 901-C V-000 16.
against the $208,386.00 judgment Ms. Davis received as her share of Mr. Davis’s
corporation, but was a separate responsibility for Mr. Davis.
II. Whether the Trial Court erred in determining the value of Mr. Davis’s share of
his closely held corporation.
III. Whether the Trial Court failed to equitably divide the marital assets, awarding
Ms. Davis a substantially disproportionate share.
IV. Whether the Trial Court erred in awarding Ms. Davis permanent periodic
alimony.
We affirm the judgment of the Trial Court as modified and remand for further proceedings,
if any, consistent with this opinion.
The parties were married in Cocke County on April 23, 1981. There was one child born of
this marriage, Diana Nicole Davis. The parties separated on November 24, 1994 and Mr. Davis filed
a complaint for divorce on July 2, 1996. Following a trial on July 21, 1998, the Trial Court granted
Mr. and Ms. Davis a divorce. Ms. Davis received custody of Diana Nicole Davis and Mr. Davis
received reasonable and liberal visitation. Child support was also set in accordance with the child
support guidelines. Mr. Davis was to provide health insurance for Ms. Davis for 18 months
following the divorce. Additionally, he was to provide health insurance for the minor child and was
responsible for any uncovered medical expenses.
As for the division of the marital estate, the Trial Court awarded Ms. Davis a 1990 Lincoln,
and Mr. Davis a 1977 Jeep. There was a 1998 Jeep leased to United Business Forms, Inc., Mr.
Davis’s corporation, which was also awarded to him. No value was given to any of the automobiles
by the Trial Court. The marital home was valued at $100,000.00 by Ms. Davis and $115,000.00
dollars by Mr. Davis. The contents of the marital home were valued by Ms. Davis at $3,000.00 and
Mr. Davis at $9,000.00. The Court awarded the marital home and its contents to Ms. Davis without
assigning a value to either the marital home or the contents and ordered Mr. Davis to pay the
remaining mortgage on the home which was approximately $6,400.00 dollars.
The Davises had a 401K with a value of $29,468.69 which was awarded to Mr. Davis along
with two IRA accounts; one with a value of approximately $12,000.00 and the other with a value
of approximately $4,000.00. An account with $6,200.00 held by Mr. Davis for the purpose of
purchasing a car for the minor child was awarded to Mr. Davis, and the Court ordered him to proceed
with the purchase of an automobile for the minor child. Mr. Davis was ordered to provide insurance
coverage for the automobile. Finally, there was a substantial amount of credit card debt at issue
during the trial. The Trial Court ordered Mr. Davis to pay “a lump sum sufficient to pay off all of
those credit card obligations.” Ms. Davis was awarded permanent periodic alimony in the amount
of $1,650.00 per month.
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The only other property at issue is Mr. Davis’s business. When the parties married, Mr.
Davis and his brother, Horace Davis2 were the principal shareholders of a closely help corporation,
United Business Forms, Inc. According to the record, United Business Forms, Inc. is a printing
business begun by Mr. Davis and Horace Davis in 1971. United Business Forms, Inc., (hereinafter
referred to as UBF) manufactures snap-out business forms, and employs approximately 65 people.
At the time of trial Mr. Davis and Horace Davis each owned 2550 shares of stock in UBF and each
held slightly less than fifty percent of the corporate stock. A third shareholder, Mr. Ray Adams,
owns the remaining three shares. In 1985 Mr. Davis and Horace Davis were the sole shareholders
of UBF. At that time they entered into a Stock Redemption Agreement which is at issue on this
appeal.
Following the trial, Mr. Davis filed a Notice of Appeal. This Court remanded the cause to
the Trial Court for a final judgment. See Davis v. Davis, an unreported opinion of this Court, filed
in Knoxville on October 4, 1999. According to the Order of the Court of Appeals, the Trial Court
had reserved a question of the method of payment as to a lump sum judgment Ms. Davis was to
receive from Mr. Davis. If the parties could not agree on a method of payment, the Trial Court
would render a decision. At the time of oral argument on appeal, the parties had not agreed as to a
method of payment. Therefore, this Court concluded the order was not a final one subject to an
appeal as of right. The case was remanded to the Trial Court for a final judgment.
Following remand, Mr. Davis filed a Motion to Specify Terms of Judgment. On March 16,
2000, a hearing on that motion took place. The Trial Court held that beginning June, 2000, Mr.
Davis would be obligated to pay $1500.00 per month toward the $208,386.00 judgment.
Additionally, the Trial Court also determined that the $17,767.98 paid by Mr. Davis to satisfy Ms.
Davis’s credit card debt was not to be credited toward the $208,386.00 judgment, but that the two
were separate liabilities. Mr. Davis also appeals this decision by the Trial Court.
We review the Trial Court’s findings of fact de novo upon the record of the proceedings
below, with a presumption of correctness “unless the preponderance of the evidence is otherwise.”
Tenn. R. App. P. 13(d); see also Hass v. Knighton, 676 S.W.2d 554 (Tenn. 1984). There is no
presumption of correctness with regard to the trial court’s conclusion of law, and those conclusions
are reviewed de novo. Jahn v. Jahn, 932 S.W.2d 939 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996).
I.
Mr. Davis’s first issue on appeal is that the Trial Court erred when it ruled the $17,767.98
payment Mr. Davis made to satisfy the credit card obligation would not be credited against the
$208,386.00 judgment Ms. Davis received. Mr. Davis argues that during the March 16, 2000,
hearing on the Motion to Specify Terms of Judgment the Trial Court declared sua sponte that Mr.
Davis was not entitled to a credit against the lump sum judgment. He asserts that Ms. Davis testified
2
Our use of the first name of Horace Davis should not be construed as disrespectful, but is to avoid confusion
in referring to two M r. Davises.
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that these were her individual debts and that she was willing to pay these debts. He further argues
that both parties acknowledged that the $17,767.98 payment would be credited toward the lump sum
payment and that the brief submitted by Ms. Davis during the first appeal to this Court reflects that
acknowledgment. Therefore, it is Mr. Davis’s argument that the Trial Court, upon remand, modified
its original order, sua sponte, at the motion hearing on March 16, 2000.
Ms. Davis argues that the original judgment required Mr. Davis to pay to her the amount of
$208,386.00 for her interest in UBF. She further asserts that Mr. Davis was also required to pay the
credit card debt, which was to be paid in a lump sum. Ms. Davis argues that Mr. Davis was the party
who filed the Motion to Specify Terms of Judgment and that the Trial Court was ordered to resolve
the issue as to the terms of payment of the $208,386.00 judgment, and at the time of the hearing on
March 16, 2000, Mr. Davis had not paid any amount toward that judgment, but had paid $17,767.98
toward the satisfaction of the credit card debt. Ms. Davis argues that Mr. Davis initiated the
discussion at the motion hearing concerning the credit toward the $208,386.00 judgment, and that
now he is trying to argue on appeal that the Trial Court’s ruling on that matter was sua sponte.
Finally, Ms. Davis argues that the Trial Court was merely clarifying for Mr. Davis, upon his request,
its order from the July 21, 1998, hearing.
Upon review of the transcript of the hearing on July 21, 1998, and the transcript of the
hearing March 16, 2000, we agree with Ms. Davis. At the July 21, 1998, hearing, the Trial Court
stated the following:
In order to make the other awards and figures that I’ve used in this
decision to equal out, it means that Mr. Davis would be obligated to
pay Ms. Davis for her interest in the business the sum of $208,000 .
. . $208,386.
The Court is going to also require that an amount sufficient to pay all
of her credit card obligations, including one-half of those which I’m
going to order them to pay equally, and that being Proffitt’s and
Lowe’s, he’ll have to pay a lump sum sufficient to pay off all of those
credit card obligations.
Now, the Court is not going to make a ruling at this time on how the
balance of that will be paid, so that you all will be given an
opportunity to see if you can agree upon some manner or method of
payment, however you wish to do it. Now, if you can’t do it, then
we’ll have to have a further hearing on it.
The Order from this hearing filed on December 14, 1998, nunc pro tunc July 21, 1998, states the
following with respect to this matter:
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11. Mr. Davis shall be obligated to pay to Mrs. Davis the sum of
Two Hundred Eight Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Six Dollars
($208,386.00) for her interest in the business. Mr. Davis shall pay in
a lump sum an amount sufficient to satisfy all of Mrs. Davis’s credit
card obligations and one-half of the credit card obligations to Proffitts
and Lowes. The parties are hereby granted an opportunity to reach
an agreement upon some manner or method for the payment of the
balance. Absent such an agreement, upon proper motion the Court
will make a ruling on the manner and method for the payment of the
balance.
According to the transcript of the motion hearing on March 16, 2000, this issue was addressed. The
lawyers for the parties were discussing how the lump sum payment of $208,386.00 would be paid
to Ms. Davis and the following discussion took place:
The Court: The credit card billing. Let me see here a minute. We’re
down to what, $190,618.02?
Mr. Spalvins [attorney for Ms. Davis]: No, Your Honor. I don’t
think that’s the way that is calculated. I think her interest in
the business was separate and additional and I think the
interest in the business of $208,000-some dollars is still solid.
Mr. Laughlin [attorney for Mr. Davis]: No, Your Honor. I think it’s
quite clear that that’s to be a credit against the amount for
which he was obligated to pay her for her interest, what the
Court determined to be her interest in the stock.
The Court: Okay. Let me, where is . . . well, I’m not going to ask
you where it is, let me find the Order. Let’s take this
education business first. Has she enrolled in school or
anything?
[the Court moves on to another matter briefly]
The Court: In reading my opinion which is very short, I do not find
that there is a credit against the sum of $208,386.00.
Mr. Laughlin: Can I mention to the Court the language on Page 5?
The Court: Yeah, I just got through reading that.
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Mr. Laughlin: I’m sorry, Your Honor. On Page 4 it talks about
$208,000.00, I’m sorry.
The Court: Okay.
Mr. Laughlin: And then it talks in terms in the very last paragraph
about the payment of the credit card obligations and then
continuing onto the next page, it talks about the payment of
the balance of that, payment of the balance of the $208 . . .
Mr. Spalvins: Where are you reading from? I’ve got the judgment
before me?
Mr. Laughlin: I’m sorry. We’re reading from the Memorandum
Opinion, Page 5.
Mr. Spalvins: Oh, okay. All right.
Mr. Laughlin: And it says, give the opportunity it talks in terms of
the balance of this amount, and that’s why we believe that the
Court intended to take the credit card obligations, her credit
card obligations a credit, if you will, against the $208,
because . . .
The Court: I see and understand why you’re saying that. But when
I have said that the Court is going to also require that an
amount sufficient to pay all of her credit card obligations and
having just stated that he owed her $208,386.00, and then I
say is also going to require. That language is, I can pretty
well tell what I meant by reading what I said, so there will not
be a credit there.
It appears from this discussion that the Trial Court was merely clarifying an earlier point addressed
by the attorney at the motion hearing. The Trial Court reviewed the Memorandum Opinion and
pointed out that the language, “the Court is going to also require that an amount sufficient to pay all
of her credit card obligations . . .” is the language suggesting that no credit was intended.
Mr. Davis argued that the Trial Court changed its previous ruling sua sponte at the motion
hearing. The term sua sponte is defined as, “of his or its own will or motion; voluntarily; without
prompting or suggestion.” Black’s Law Dictionary 1424 (6th ed. 1990). We do not find that the Trial
Court addressed this issue sua sponte. The aforementioned discussion clearly shows that the
attorneys had different opinions as to what the Trial Court ordered at the July 21, 1998, hearing and
therefore turned to the Trial Court for clarification. The Trial Court reviewed the Memorandum
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Opinion, pointed out specific language and reiterated his decision from the prior hearing. No
changes were made to the prior order, only clarification. The Trial Court is in the best position to
clarify an order set forth by said Trial Court. We therefore find that the trial Court did not err in
clarifying the previous court order.
II.
The second issue this Court will address is the Trial Court’s valuation of Mr. Davis’s
Corporation. The Trial Court determined that on January 1, 1981, UBF had a value of $22,000.00
and at the “time material to this litigation” UBF had a value of $517,705.00 dollars. Ms. Davis was
awarded $208,386.00 as her interest in UBF. Dividing a marital estate begins with classifying the
property as either separate or marital property. McClellan v. McClellan, 873 S.W.2d 350 (Tenn.
Ct. App. 1993). The Trial Court did not make a determination as to whether UBF was Mr. Davis’s
separate property or marital property, therefore it is incumbent upon this Court to make that
determination before evaluating whether the Trial Court erred in its value determination and in
dividing the marital assets.
Marital property is defined at T.C.A. 36-4-121(b)(1)(B) as follows:
“Marital Property” includes income from, and any increase in value
during the marriage of, property determined to be separate property
in accordance with subdivision (b)(2) if each party substantially
contributed to its preservation and appreciation, and the value of
vested and unvested pension, vested and unvested stock option rights,
retirement or other fringe benefit rights relating to employment that
accrued during the period of the marriage.
Separate property is defined at T.C.A. 36-4-121(b)(2)(A) as “All real and personal property owned
by a spouse before marriage.”
Because Mr. Davis owned stock in UBF prior to his marriage to Ms. Davis, we find that UBF
is Mr. Davis’s separate property. However, UBF’s increase in value during the marriage is marital
property pursuant to T.C.A. 36-4-121(b)(1)(B), “any increase in value during the marriage of,
property determined to be separate property in accordance with subdivision (b)(2) if each party
substantially contributed to its preservation and appreciation”. “Substantial contribution” includes
but is not limited to the “direct or indirect contribution of a spouse as homemaker, wage earner,
parent or family financial manager.” T.C.A. 36-4-121(b)(1)(D). A spouse’s “indirect contributions
as homemaker constitute contributions to the appreciation or preservation of the other spouse’s
separate property.” Cohen v. Cohen, 937 S.W.2d 823 (Tenn. 1996).
Upon review of the testimony of Ms. Davis, we find that she did “substantially contribute”
to the appreciation of UBF. Ms. Davis testified that when she married Mr. Davis she had two years
of college education. Upon her marriage to Mr. Davis she dropped out of school and became a
homemaker. Shortly thereafter Mr. and Ms. Davis had a daughter. There is no dispute as to Ms.
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Davis’s role as homemaker and parent. In addition to Ms. Davis’s aforementioned indirect
contributions to UBF, she also contributed directly to UBF. Ms. Davis testified that twice she had
been employed at UBF. The first time she began working there was shortly after the birth of their
daughter. Ms. Davis testified that she went to work at the request of Mr. Davis because UBF was
short-handed. Ms. Davis further testified she worked two to three years for UBF during another time
period. Ms. Davis testified that she went to Salt Lake City with Mr. Davis on a business trip to
purchase equipment for UBF and she attended a convention in Charlotte, North Carolina with Mr.
Davis. Additionally, she accompanied Mr. Davis on a business trip to Atlanta, Georgia to a paper
company. Therefore, while UBF is considered the separate property of Mr. Davis, the increase in
value of UBF is considered a marital asset.
As for the valuation of Mr. Davis’s share of UBF, Mr. Davis argues that the Trial Court erred
in assessing his value in UBF at $517,705.00. Mr. Davis asserts that UBF is subject to a Stock
Redemption Agreement and that this agreement provides that if Mr. Davis attempts to sell or
encumber his stock in UBF, UBF has the right to redeem the stock for $175,000.00 dollars, and if
it fails to do so the other stockholders have the right to purchase Mr. Davis’s stock for the same
price. Therefore, Mr. Davis argues that there is no way the value of his shares of UBF can exceed
$175,000.00. Mr. Davis further argues that the Trial Court erred in adopting the opinion of LeRoy
Bible, a certified public accountant, who testified on behalf of Ms. Davis as to the value of Mr.
Davis’s share of UBF. Mr. Davis asserts that it is evident Mr. Bible did not consider the effect of
the Stock Redemption Agreement in arriving at his opinion that Mr. Davis’s share of UBF was
between $518,503.00 and $517,705.00.
Mr. Davis relies on the case of Erwin v. Erwin, an unreported opinion of this Court, filed in
Nashville on March 25, 1988, arguing that a Trial Court must take into consideration the effect any
stock redemption agreements might have on a corporation when placing a value on that asset. We
agree with Mr. Davis’s argument as to what Erwin v. Erwin holds with respect to valuing an asset
when a stock redemption agreement is in place. The Court states that “if the true value of the stock
is greater than its agreed value, then its value for purposes of this suit would be somewhat greater
than its agreed value and somewhat less than its true value.” It also sets forth the premise that if the
stockholder chooses to sell his share of the corporation, then the stock redemption agreement forces
the value of those shares of stock to be sold at a set price. However, the Court further notes that if
the stockholder continues to hold onto the shares of stock he is free to continue to “reap all the
benefits of ownership without offering it for sale.”
Ms. Davis argues that each party presented expert testimony and the Trial Court had a wide
range of values for Mr. Davis’s share of UBF from which the Trial Court chose $517,705.00. Ms.
Davis further argues that the methods used by both experts are valid means of placing a value on a
corporation and that there is no requirement that Trial Courts rely on stock redemption agreements
when assessing the value of a corporation for the purpose of dividing assets in a divorce.
The valuation of a marital asset is a question of fact to be determined by considering all
relevant evidence. Kinard v. Kinard, 986 S.W.2d 220 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998). Each party bears the
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burden of bringing forth competent evidence. Wallace v. Wallace, 733 S.W.2d 102 (Tenn. Ct. App.
1987). If the evidence the parties set forth as to value is conflicting, the trial judge may assign a
value that is within the range of values supported by the evidence. Ray v. Ray, 916 S.W.2d 469(Tenn.Ct. App. 1995). On appeal, we presume the trial judge’s factual determinations are correct
unless the evidence preponderates against them. Jahn v. Jahn, 932 S.W.2d 939 (Tenn. Ct. App.
1996).
Mr. and Ms. Davis both presented expert testimony at the trial as to the value of UBF. Mr.
Ray Adams, CPA, testified on behalf of Mr. Davis, and Mr. LeRoy Bible, CPA, testified on behalf
of Ms. Davis. According to the record, Mr. Adams used a “capitalization of income” method and
a “weighted average” method to determine the value of UBF. Under the “normal average” Mr.
Adams arrived at a value of $126,900.00 and the weighted average he arrived at $142,200.00. A
discount was applied by Mr. Adams in arriving at the aforementioned values for “lack of control”
and “lack of marketability.” Mr. Adams further testified that he did not take into consideration a
method of valuation based on comparable sales of similarly situated businesses as he was unable to
find such comparable businesses. Mr. Adams also testified as to the value of UBF based on using
a “cost method.” Using this method Mr. Adams testified that the value of Mr. Davis’s interest in
UBF was $270,800.00. Finally, averaging the results under each method used Mr. Adams testified
that he arrived at the figure $180,000.00. Finally, Mr. Adams testified that the book value for UBF
was 1,095,000.00. From this figure tax liability was subtracted, a discount was taken for a minority
share and a discount was taken for lack of marketability arriving at the figure $278,831.00 which he
rounded to $270,800.00.
Mr. Bible, testifying on behalf of Ms. Davis, stated that he valued the business in December
1980, a few months prior to the marriage of Mr. and Ms. Davis. Mr. Bible stated that Mr. Davis’s
share of UBF based on that valuation was $20,000.00 to $22,000.00. Mr. Bible also valued UBF
in December, 1996. Mr. Bible testified that he used a “weighted average.” He also testified that the
preferred method of placing a value on this corporation was to find a comparable sale, but he, like
Mr. Adams, was unable to find one. According to Mr. Bible, the method he used is referred to by
the Internal Revenue Service as the “industry standard.” Additionally, discounts were taken for lack
of control and marketability. Mr. Bible arrived at $203.00 per share multiplied by the number of
shares Mr. Davis owns3 for a total of $518,000.00. Mr. Bible testified that a value of $517,705.00
which he arrived at using numbers that Mr. Adams had provided was also a fair representation of
the value of Mr. Davis’s interest in UBF.
While we agree that the stock redemption agreement should be considered in placing a value
on Mr. Davis’s share of UBF, there is absolutely no evidence that Mr. Bible did not consider the
agreement in arriving at his figures. At no point was Mr. Bible asked on direct examination or cross-
examination whether he considered the stock redemption agreement when valuing Mr. Davis’s share
of the corporation. It was the responsibility of Mr. Davis to insure that Mr. Bible had the appropriate
3
Mr. Davis owns 2550 shares of stock.
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documentation in order for him to do a competent valuation of his corporation. This Court cannot
automatically assume simply because Mr. Davis argues that Mr. Bible did not consider the stock
redemption agreement that that was the case, nor can this Court assume that the value of Mr. Davis’s
stock is $175,000.00 because the stock redemption agreement may prevent its sale at a higher price.
Therefore, we find that the evidence does not preponderate against the Trial Court’s valuation of Mr.
Davis’s share in UBF of $517,705.00.
III.
Mr. Davis’s third issue on appeal questions whether the Trial Court erred in dividing the
marital assets and liabilities; thereby granting Ms. Davis a disproportionate share of the assets. He
further contends that the Trial Court did so without consideration of the statutory criteria upon which
such divisions should be based. More specifically he argues that the Trial Court ignored the factors
set forth in T.C.A. 36-4-121(c).
“Trial Courts have wide latitude in fashioning an equitable division of marital property.”
Brown v. Brown, 913 S.W.2d 163 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1994). The standard factors set forth in T.C.A.
36-4-121(c) must be considered. This Court has further stated in Batson v. Batson, 769 S.W.2d 849(Tenn. Ct. App. 1988) the following:
an equitable property division is not necessarily an equal one. It is
not achieved by a mechanical application of the statutory factors, but
rather by considering and weighing the most relevant factors in light
of the unique facts of the case.
Appellate Courts are to defer to a Trial Court’s division of marital property unless that division is
unsupported by a preponderance of the evidence or inconsistent with the statutory factors. Brown
v. Brown, 913 S.W.2d 163 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1994).
The Trial Court’s division of the marital assets and liabilities as modified by this opinion is
as follows:
Asset Value Mr. Davis Ms. Davis
1990 Lincoln (no value stated) (no value stated)
1977 Jeep (no value stated) (no value stated)
1998 Jeep (leased to UBF) (leased to UBF)
IRA #1 $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00
IRA #2 4,000.00 4,000.00
401K 29,468.69 29,468.69
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Marital home4 100,000.00 $100,000.00
Mortgage on home (6,400.00) (6,400.00)
Household furnishings5 3,000.00 3,000.00
Credit card debt (17,767.98) (17,767.98)
UBF6 506,705.00 298,319.00 208,386.00
Total $631,005.71 $319,619.71 $311,386.00
Percentage of assets 50.7% 49.3%
We find that the division of the marital assets in this case is equitable. A division of marital assets
is not inequitable simply because it is not precisely equal. Kinard v. Kinard, 986 S.W.2d 220 (Tenn.
Ct. App. 1998).
The statutory factors that are most determinative on this issue are the following: (1) the
duration of this marriage; (2) Mr. Davis is part owner in a successful business that continues to
generate a stable income for him while Ms. Davis lacks the earning capacity and employability to
match that of Mr. Davis; (3) Ms. Davis did contribute both directly and indirectly as employee,
spouse, mother, and homemaker to Mr. Davis’s successful business; (4) Ms. Davis is currently
employed at a hospital emergency room making approximately $215.00 a week while Mr. Davis
retains UBF as his separate property and will continue to reap the benefits of his ownership shares
in the corporation.
Upon review of the statutory factors set forth in T.C.A. 36-4-121(c), we do not find that the
evidence preponderates against the Trial Court’s division of the marital assets and therefore affirm
the Trial Court’s division of the marital assets.
4
Mr. Davis testified that the value of the marital home was $115,000.00 while Ms. Davis testified that the
value o f th e m arital home was $100,000.00. The Trial Court failed to place a value on the home. Here it makes no
difference in our evaluation of the appropriateness of the Trial Court’s division whether we use the higher or lower of
these values as our con clusion is the same reg ardless of which values are used. To simplify the calculation , we use o nly
one of the values, the lower.
5
Mr. Da vis estimate d that the household furnishin gs were worth $ 9,000.0 0 and M s. Davis estim ated their
value at $3,000 .00. Ag ain, it makes no difference in our evaluation of the appropriateness of the Trial Court’s division
whether we use the higher or lower of these values. However, in order to remain consistent, we choose the lower value.
6
The marital assets include the increase in value of UBF which can be calculated as follows: $517,705.00 (Mr.
Davis’s share in UBF) - $11,000.00(one half of the value of UBF in 1981) = $506,705.00.
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IV.
Mr. Davis’s fourth issue on appeal is whether the Trial Court erred in awarding Ms. Davis
permanent periodic alimony. During the hearing on July 21, 1998, the Trial Court, in its
Memorandum Opinion stated the following with respect to rehabilitative alimony:
Now, with respect to what we just generally call rehabilitation
alimony, I’m going to provide that there will be an amount paid over
the next five years, if the wife does, in fact, enroll in school to further
her education and the amount to be paid will be the actual cost of the
tuition and books, which means if she does not enroll then there will
be nothing to be paid.
Alimony in the amount of $1,650 per month will be paid. Of course,
we know that by statute that is paid for as long as she lives or, I
guess, it could even go against his estate if he were to predecease her,
but upon your remarriage or cohabitation with a third party, then that
would be terminated.
Following this Court’s remand of the first appeal to the Trial Court7 and the subsequent hearing on
March 16, 2000, the Trial Court, upon the request of this Court, attempted to set parameters as to
where Ms. Davis could attend school and still expect Mr. Davis to pay for tuition. The Trial Court
determined the following in pertinent part:
The Court: Let’s take this education business first. Has she
enrolled in school or anything?
Mr. Spalvins: No, Your Honor, she has not.
The Court: So that doesn’t even. . . Well, is she going to?
Mr. Spalvins: She says “no”, Your Honor.
The Court: If that be the case then at least I’m going to remove
from the Appellate Court’s consideration anything
concerning that particular matter; that it is now no
longer a part of this litigation in any respect, it’s
resolved by her announcement of not going to school,
7
See Davis v. D avis, an unrep orted op inion of th is Court, filed in Knoxville on October 4, 1999. No. 03A01-
9901-CV-00016.
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because they had mentioned that as being a loose end.
Now, he’s paying $1650.00 alimony, having no
problem with that.
Mr. Spalvins: Initially there were some problems but I think that’s
kind of been smoothed out, Your Honor.
Following the hearing on March 16, 2000, the Trial Court amended its original order and determined
that Ms. Davis no longer needed rehabilitative alimony as she was no longer interested in returning
to college.
Mr. Davis makes several arguments concerning the alimony award. First, he argues that the
Trial Court made no finding that Ms. Davis was economically disadvantaged relative to Mr. Davis,
and that no such status exists due to the division of the marital assets at trial. Additionally, Mr.
Davis argues that because the Trial Court initially awarded Ms. Davis rehabilitative alimony she is
obviously capable of rehabilitation and therefore rehabilitative alimony should be awarded rather
than permanent periodic alimony. Finally, Mr. Davis argues that Ms. Davis is able to work and that
she only expected to receive rehabilitative alimony pending the completion of her college education,
and therefore, rehabilitative alimony is the only form of alimony appropriate.
Ms. Davis argues that the Trial Court did find that she was economically disadvantaged as
compared to Mr. Davis. Additionally, she argues that since the parties separation she has been
unable to maintain the standard of living to which she was accustomed during her marriage.
The Trial Court has broad discretion in determining an award of alimony. Loyd v. Loyd, 860
S.W.2d 409 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993). The decision is factually driven and requires a balancing of the
factors listed in T.C.A. 36-5-101(d); Loyd v. Loyd, 860 S.W.2d 409 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993). Of these
factors, need and the ability to pay are the most critical. Lancaster v. Lancaster, 671 S.W.2d 501Accordingly, this Court is not inclined to alter a trial court's award of alimony unless it is
unsupported by the evidence or is contrary to the public policy embodied in the applicable statutes.
Brown v. Brown, 913 S.W.2d 163 (Tenn.Ct.App.1994).
The following factors, codified at T.C.A. 36-5-101(d)(1) are to be considered in determining
an award of alimony:
(d)(1) It is the intent of the general assembly that a spouse who is
economically disadvantaged, relative to the other spouse, be
rehabilitated whenever possible by the granting of an order for
payment of rehabilitative, temporary support and maintenance.
Where there is such relative economic disadvantage and rehabilitation
is not feasible in consideration of all relevant factors, including those
set out in this subsection, then the court may grant an order for
payment of support and maintenance on a long-term basis or until the
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death or remarriage of the recipient except as otherwise provided in
subdivision (a)(3). Rehabilitative support and maintenance is a
separate class of spousal support as distinguished from alimony in
solido and periodic alimony. In determining whether the granting of
an order for payment of support and maintenance to a party is
appropriate, and in determining the nature, amount, length of term,
and manner of payment, the court shall consider all relevant factors,
including:
(A) The relative earning capacity, obligations, needs, and financial
resources of each party, including income from pension, profit
sharing or retirement plans and all other sources;
(B) The relative education and training of each party, the ability and
opportunity of each party to secure such education and training, and
the necessity of a party to secure further education and training to
improve such party's earning capacity to a reasonable level;
(C) The duration of the marriage;
(D) The age and mental condition of each party;
(E) The physical condition of each party, including, but not limited
to, physical disability or incapacity due to a chronic debilitating
disease;
(F) The extent to which it would be undesirable for a party to seek
employment outside the home because such party will be custodian
of a minor child of the marriage;
(G) The separate assets of each party, both real and personal, tangible
and intangible;
(H) The provisions made with regard to the marital property as
defined in § 36-4-121;
(I) The standard of living of the parties established during the
marriage;
(J) The extent to which each party has made such tangible and
intangible contributions to the marriage as monetary and homemaker
contributions, and tangible and intangible contributions by a party to
the education, training or increased earning power of the other party;
(K) The relative fault of the parties in cases where the court, in its
discretion, deems it appropriate to do so; and
(L) Such other factors, including the tax consequences to each party,
as are necessary to consider the equities between the parties.
We find that Ms. Davis is economically disadvantaged as compared to Mr. Davis. Ms. Davis
is currently making less than $1,000.00 a month while Mr. Davis maintains his closely held
corporation which generates an income of at least $1,000.00 per week. Additionally, Ms. Davis has
a very limited work history and lacks a post-secondary degree or any technical training for a
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specified area of vocation. Even with the income Ms. Davis is currently receiving from her
employment, it is evident that she cannot match the earning capacity of Mr. Davis. The purpose of
spousal support is to assist the disadvantaged spouse in becoming self-sufficient and when economic
rehabilitation is not feasible, to mitigate the harsh economic reality of divorce. Anderton v. Anderton,
988 S.W.2d 675 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998). Divorced couples often lack sufficient income or assets to
enable both parties to maintain their pre-divorce standard of living, however, the obligor spouse may
be able to provide some financial assistance to enable the disadvantaged spouse to approach his or
her former financial condition. Anderton v. Anderton, 988 S.W.2d 675 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998).
In Tennessee there is a preference for rehabilitative alimony. However, where rehabilitation
is not feasible, a court may grant alimony in futuro. T.C.A. 36-5-101(d)(1). The Trial Court did
originally determine based upon testimony by Ms. Davis that rehabilitative alimony was appropriate
as it was Ms. Davis’s desire to return to college and complete her degree. However, in addition to
the original award of rehabilitative alimony the Trial Court also awarded Ms. Davis alimony in
futuro in the amount of $1650.00 per month. The Trial Court later determined that because Ms.
Davis had obtained a job and no longer desired to attend college, the Trial Court deleted Mr. Davis’s
rehabilitative alimony responsibility.
This Court does not find that rehabilitation of Ms. Davis is feasible. While we are not
discouraging her from returning to college some day, we find that rehabilitation would be difficult
for Ms. Davis as it pertains to this proceeding. Even if Ms. Davis were to return to college and
obtain a degree, it would be difficult for her to ever achieve a level of financial security equal to that
of Mr. Davis or for her to obtain a reasonable standard of living when viewed in the context of her
pre-divorce economic condition. Ms. Davis testified to a very limited work history, most of which
she obtained working in Mr. Davis’s corporation. She lacks a post-secondary degree or vocational
skills. Ms. Davis’s age (47 years old) is also a factor in determining that rehabilitation is not
feasible. She testified that she has generated some income hanging wallpaper, but that that was only
part-time. Additionally, Ms. Davis testified very generally to several health problems including a
hearing problem, high blood pressure and a heart condition. It is evident from the record, however,
that these ailments are not currently preventing her from working as she has obtained employment
in a hospital emergency room. We find that the rehabilitation of Ms. Davis is not feasible.
As for alimony in futuro, the Trial Court granted Ms. Davis $1650.00 per month for the
remainder of her life or until she remarries or co-habits with another person. Ms. Davis signed an
affidavit of income and expenses on July 20, 1998, whereby she documented that her needs
amounted to $5,035.16 per month. We find this to be excessive. In her affidavit, Ms. Davis
included $300.00 per month for her mortgage payment. However, Mr. Davis has paid the mortgage
in its entirety and Ms. Davis was awarded the marital home free and clear of any outstanding
mortgage. Also, Ms. Davis documented that she needed $200.00 per month for school expenses but
Ms. Davis has stated she is no longer interested in attending school and their daughter has now
graduated from high school. Ms. Davis also stated that she needs $1,800.00 per month for
installment payments on her credit card bills, but Mr. Davis paid the balance on her outstanding
credit card bills in the amount of $17,767.98. Ms. Davis also listed automobile insurance for four
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people and four automobiles in the amount of $200.00 per month. At trial she was awarded one
automobile, and Mr. Davis was required to purchase an automobile for their daughter and maintain
the automobile insurance. Therefore, we will reduce her need for automobile insurance to $100.00
per month. Ms. Davis listed recreation and entertainment as $200.00 per month and miscellaneous
was listed twice at $200.00 per listing for a total monthly expense of $400.00. Finally, Ms. Davis
listed $125.00 per month for vacations, $150.00 per month for a weight loss program and $66.00 per
month for gifts. This equals $3,341.00 in excessive expenses. That brings her need from $5,035.16
to $1,694.16 which is at least a more reasonable figure than the one presented by Ms. Davis.
Ms. Davis testified that she currently makes approximately $215.00 dollars per week. That
is approximately $900.00 per month income. In addition, she received one half of the marital estate
including a lump sum award of $208,386.00 to be paid at $1,500.00 per month plus interest. We
believe the award of $1650.00 per month alimony in futuro was excessive considering the division
of marital assets and the need demonstrated by Ms. Davis. We therefore reduce her alimony in
futuro from $1650.00 per month to $1,000.00 per month effective on the date this decision becomes
final.
For the foregoing reasons the judgment of the Trial Court is affirmed as modified. This
cause is remanded for proceedings not inconsistent with this opinion. Costs of appeal are adjudged
against Appellant, William H. Davis and his surety.
_________________________________________
HOUSTON M. GODDARD, PRESIDING JUDGE
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