Jones v. Jones

The wife appeals from a final judgment of dissolution contending that the trial court erred by failing to grant her a special equity interest in the marital home. We agree and reverse.

The parties were married in February, 1978, and separated in March, 1981. Trial testimony showed that the wife bought a house for $26,950 under a contract for deed in 1973. Her parents took title to the home because of her inability to obtain credit, and assisted her in making a down payment of $1,500.

In October, 1978, the wife’s parents transferred their equity interest in the home to their daughter and…