In re the Marriage of Hansen

Lewis Hansen successfully petitioned the court to dissolve his marriage to Afton Hansen. The court refused to incorporate a separation agreement into the dissolution decree, finding that its terms were ambiguous and unfair. Mrs. Hansen appeals.

Two issues are presented: (1) Does RCW 26.09.070(7) of the marriage dissolution act of 1974 prevent a court from modifying a separation agreement which contains a provision that expressly precludes modification? and (2) Is the finding that the separation agreement was unfair and ambiguous supported by substantial evidence?

Mr. and Mrs. Hansen were…