Ryan v. Ryan

Opinion by BECK, Judge:

This case presents the question , of whether in making an equitable distribution award a trial court may order a “buy-out” of stock instead of an in-kind distribution of stock in a closely-held corporation. We conclude that under the circumstances of this case, it was error for the trial court to order an in-kind distribution.

Marie Ryan (wife) and Joseph Ryan (husband) were married for twenty-seven years prior to their final separation in March of 1982. One child was born of the marriage and husband adopted wife’s two children from a previous marriage. All three…