Leighton v. Leighton

This appeal of a portion of a judgment of divorce brings for review only the trial court’s division of the assets of the parties and the denial of alimony to the plaintiff-wife.

THE “LACEY” APPROACH.

In his memorandum decision the trial judge stated that he sought to divide the property of the parties “as equally as I can,” and under Lacey, 1 on this record, that endeavor was appropriate. Until Lacey the starting point and, often enough, the finishing point was “. . . one third of the marital estate to the wife ... to be increased or decreased only by special circumstances.” 2 In Lacey this…