In re the Marriage of Batiste

Husband appeals from the portions of a dissolution decree awarding wife a one-half interest in his retirement plan and requiring him to pay spousal support, to maintain a life insurance policy with wife as its primary beneficiary and to pay certain family debts. Wife cross-appeals from the portions of the decree ordering the sale of the family home and requiring her to pay her own attorney fees.

This is a 34-year marriage that produced nine children. The youngest child, who is still living with wife, is 18 years old. All the other children are self-supporting and live apart from their parents.

W…