Chisnell v. Chisnell

This case involves an issue of first impression in Michigan; i.e., the treatment of military retirement pay in a divorce proceeding. The issue focuses on the question of whether the trial court erred in awarding plaintiff a one-half interest in defendant’s net retirement benefits as part of a property settlement where no provision was made for alimony.

Defendant entered the United States Army in 1949 but he left the military in 1953. He re-enlisted in 1955, just prior to his marriage to plaintiff, and retired in 1972 as Chief Warrant Officer, fourth class.

No children were born of this…