Ex Parte Parish

This Court granted Patricia Parish's petition for a writ of certiorari, consistent with Rule 39(a)(1)(c), Ala.R.App.P., because this case presents a material question of first impression. Christopher Connell had sued his estranged wife, Amy Connell, for a divorce on May 18, 1999. His complaint contained a complete and comprehensive property settlement that Mr. and Ms. Connell had negotiated. The trial court entered a divorce judgment, incorporating the parties' property settlement, the same day. By its terms, and consistent with § 30-2-8.1, Ala. Code 1975, this judgment stated: "Effective…