In re the Marriage of Lovette

Husband appeals from a dissolution judgment entered after he failed to appear for trial. In June 1994, wife filed for dissolution, and, in July, husband filed a response. Trial was set for February 3, 1995. At 2:50 in the afternoon on that date, husband’s counsel moved to postpone the trial. Counsel informed the court that husband was not present and that “he did not tell me why he was leaving, but he did say he was feeling ill.” The court described what occurred:

“[T]he record should reflect that we had a conference in chambers this morning with the parties and — which ended about a quarter…