Ex Parte McCracken

Margaret L. McCracken and Paul E. McCracken were divorced in 1977. Periodic alimony was awarded to Margaret pursuant to the divorce judgment. Subsequent to the divorce, Margaret inherited real property from her mother. In 1986, Paul petitioned for modification of periodic alimony, based on Margaret's inheritance. The trial court denied his petition.

In 1987, Margaret sold the property for approximately $192,000. In 1988, she filed a petition for modification of the divorce judgment, and Paul counterclaimed for a modification of alimony, based upon Margaret's sale of the real property. Margaret…