Alice Marie Cherqui v. Moshe Laor

Excerpt

This case involves the interpretation and enforcement of an alimony termination provision in the parties' marital dissolution agreement. Wife filed a Notice of Termination of Alimony Payments in the Chancery Court of Madison County, alleging that Husband's non-compliance with the parties' permanent parenting plan relieved her of any further obligation to pay alimony pursuant to the alimony provision of their marital dissolution agreement. Husband then filed a motion to enforce the marital dissolution agreement and for a temporary injunction. Wife subsequently moved for summary judgment to enforce the alimony provision of the marital dissolution agreement. Husband did not dispute that he failed to comply with the "Passport Provision" of the parties' permanent parenting plan but argued that his violation of the agreement did not relieve Wife's obligation to continue to pay alimony in solido. The trial court concluded that the marital dissolution agreement unambiguously provided that Wife would be immediately relieved of her total obligation to pay alimony if Husband failed to comply with his obligations under the parties' permanent parenting plan and granted Wife's motion for summary judgment. Husband appeals the trial court's granting of summary judgment, while Wife seeks an award of her attorney's fees on appeal. Finding no error, we affirm the trial court's granting of summary judgment and award the Wife her attorneys' fees incurred on appeal which the trial court shall calculate upon remand.