In Re the Marriage of Parsons

Robert D. Parsons appeals from a portion of a decree dissolving his marriage to Jean R. Parsons. He contends that the trial court erred when it characterized his personal injury claim as community property and divided the proceeds equally. He concedes that prior case law sustains the trial court's decision, but he argues that recent developments point to a change in the law. Under the facts of this case, the doctrine of stare decisis compels us to affirm the trial court.

During the parties' marriage, Robert was seriously injured while fishing in Alaska. As a result of this injury, an insurance…