Reffalt v. Reffalt

¶ 17. The majority affirms the chancellor’s decision to award Gloria a portion of Stephen’s social security benefits after finding the settlement agreement ambiguous and determining that “this income” included Stephen’s retirement pension plan plus his social security benefits. I disagree; therefore, I respectfully dissent. Social security benefits are not a marital asset; therefore, they are not subject to equitable division in a divorce based on the doctrine of federal preemption. I find that Gloria is entitled to one-half of Stephen’s *1227retirement income from Martin Marietta, but she is not…