In re the Marriage of Pratt

Does a trial court have inherent power to enter a dissolution decree nunc pro tunc after the death of the husband if, before the death, the court had decided the case on the merits, attorneys for both parties had approved the findings, conclusions and decree and the delay was due to collateral reasons? We hold that entry of the decree nunc pro tunc under these circumstances was proper.

Mr. and Mrs. Pratt were married on November 11, 1978, but separated 4 months later. Mr. Pratt filed for divorce. At the dissolution hearing on February 26, 1980, the court dissolved the marriage and made a…