In Re the Marriage of Lawson

SCHULTZ, Justice.

The issue in this appeal concerns the interpretation of the word “retirement” found in a stipulation and agreement that was approved and made a part of a decree of dissolution of marriage. At the time of the decree in September of 1983, the respondent, Donald Eugene Lawson, was serving in the United States Navy on active duty. The dissolution decree approved the parties’ agreement that petitioner was to be paid by respondent “upon his retirement from the United States Navy, that portion of his total disposable retired or retainer pay which equals” an amount determined by a…