Cotton v. Cotton

Carley, Justice.

John and Florence Cotton were divorced in 1986. The final divorce decree, which incorporated a settlement agreement, awarded Ms. Cotton alimony of $2,500 per month until her death or remarriage. In 1996, Mr. Cotton sought a downward modification of his alimony obligation. Prior to trial, Ms. Cotton made a motion in limine to exclude the original divorce decree from evidence. The trial court granted the motion, and also excluded any testimony, or evidence or argument as to the aggregate amount of alimony paid by Mr. Cotton over the years. Although the jury reduced Mr. Cotton’s…