In re the Marriage of Zahm

— This case primarily involves the judicial characterization of social security payments when dividing property in a marital dissolution action. We must decide whether the trial court properly characterized petitioner’s social security benefits, an Idaho bank account, and a home in Walla Walla, Washington. Petitioner also claims the trial *216court erred in awarding maintenance to respondent. We affirm the Court of Appeals.

FACTS

Petitioner and respondent married in June 1978. They separated in 1986 and divorced in 1987. Approximately 18 months later, the Zahms reunited and the 1987 divorce decree…