Martin v. Martin

Mr. JUSTICE GEORGE J. MORAN

delivered the opinion of the court:

Defendant Michael Martin appeals from a decree of divorce entered in the circuit court of St. Clair County. The central issue in this case is whether the trial court erred in its award of alimony in gross to the plaintiff Margaret Martin. A collateral issue is whether the trial court acted properly in awarding alimony in gross instead of the more common periodic alimony.

Plaintiff commenced divorce proceedings against defendant for alimony and settlement of property. At the time of the hearing, plaintiff was 45 years old and…