In RE the Marriage of Kathryn June Morris and Dennis Eugene Morris Upon the Petition of Kathryn June Morris

WATERMAN, Justice.

This case should serve as a vivid reminder to attorneys practicing matrimonial law to specifically address survivor rights when dividing retirement benefits. The fighting issue here is whether the award of “half of the ... Marine Corps Retirement” in the parties’ stipulated decree of dissolution entitles the nonmilitary spouse to no more than fifty percent of the monthly retirement pay while the retiree lives, without survivor benefits. Trial counsel for Kathryn June Morris (Kathy), the petitioner, and for Dennis Eugene Morris, the respondent, did not expressly address the…