In re the Marriage of Lesser

Following a marriage of nearly 40 years, the parties sought and were granted a dissolution of it. The three children of the marriage, ranging from 26 to 33 years of age, are all living independently with families of their own. The husband, a former teacher and book salesman, is now retired. The wife, 11 years his junior, is a high school teacher. She appeals, challenging those portions of the decree relating to division of property and attorney fees.

Both parties were diligent, frugal, hard working spouses and parents. By dint of these qualities they acquired substantial assets. The wife was…