Washburn v. American Roofing Co.

This case is before us on leave granted to appeal a decision of the Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board. The appeal board, in modifying an earlier referee’s decision, ruled that plaintiff’s two stepchildren were no longer "dependents” within MCLA 412.9; MSA 17.159 (now MCLA 418.353; MSA 17.237[353]). Consequently, the board ordered reduction in the benefits being paid to the plaintiff.

At the time plaintiff was injured, his family included his wife and her two sons by a former marriage. His award included a dependency augmentation for the two children. The marriage was ended by divorce in…