In Re Marriage of Michaelson

We are asked to determine the meaning of the maintenance provision in the parties’ marital settlement agreement. The husband, Robert L. Michaelson (Robert), agreed to pay maintenance to his wife, Anna Marie Michaelson (Anna), for eight years, totaling $360,000. The question is whether the provision provided for maintenance in gross, not subject to termination or modification on Robert’s motion. The trial court read the provision to prohibit Robert’s attempt to terminate or modify maintenance and ordered him to pay Anna’s attorney fees. We affirm the trial court.

FACTS

The parties were married…