In Re Marriage of Hackett

Respondent, F. Eugene Hackett, appealed, and petitioner, Sandra J. Hackett, cross-appealed, from the judgment of the circuit court of Coles County entered upon dissolution of their marriage. In a Rule 23 order, the appellate court affirmed (103 Ill. 2d R. 23; 135 Ill. App. 3d 1157), and we allowed respondent’s petition for leave to appeal (103 Ill. 2d R. 315(a)).

The parties were married for 27 years. Respondent was a fireman, and petitioner was employed in the office of the circuit clerk of Coles County. The sole question presented by respondent’s appeal is whether the provisions of section 4…