In Re Support of Bowman

Petitioner-husband brought an action to modify a marital settlement agreement which was incorporated in a 1976 decree of divorce. Respondent-wife filed a counterpetition for modification. The trial court denied both petitions. In his memorandum, the trial judge said that the marital settlement agreement was legally tantamount to an express preclusion against modification of the decree in regard to alimony.

The relevant portions of the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1979, ch. 40, pars. 502(f), 510(a)) read:

“(f) Except for terms concerning the support, custody or…