McDOUGAL v McDOUGAL

This is a divorce case in which the parties contest the manner in which the circuit court divided the property, including assets relating to several patents. The Court of Appeals affirmed. We reverse the judgment of the Court of Appeals, and remand the case to the circuit court for further proceedings.

I

Janet A. McDougal and John A. McDougal were married in July 1982. It was the third marriage for each. Ms. McDougal, 38, was childless. Mr. McDougal, 60, had three adult children from his first marriage.

Ms. McDougal holds a Ph.D. degree. She has taught at several colleges and universities. At…