In Re Marriage of Crook

The petitioner, Robert L. Crook, appeals from the decision of the appellate court holding that: (1) the trial court erred in its division of retirement funds, and (2) the marital estate was not entitled to reimbursement of $40,000 for payment made on a joint loan for improvements to nonmarital property. 334 Ill. App. 3d 377. This court allowed Robert’s petition for leave to appeal. 177 Ill. 2d R. 315. We reverse in part and affirm in part.

I. BACKGROUND

The petitioner, Robert L. Crook, and the respondent, Patricia J. Crook, were married for 33 years. Robert was a farmer until 2000, when he…