In Re Marriage of Bell

Opinion

RAMIREZ, P. J.

Beth E. Bell (Wife) appeals from the bifurcated judgment dividing the property of the parties following dissolution of her 20-year marriage to John L. Bell (Husband). In particular, Wife objects to the trial court decision to attribute to Wife all the costs, but not the benefits, resulting from her embezzlement from her employer over a period of five years. We find certain of Wife’s contentions have merit and we reverse.

Facts

The facts underlying this case are largely undisputed. Husband and Wife were married in 1971 and separated in May 1991. During the early part of the…