Melanson v. Belyea

CLIFFORD, J.,

with whom DANA, J. joins, dissenting.

[¶ 11] The language of 19 M.R.S.A. § 752(10) (Supp.1996) is clear on its face, limiting its application to “divorces ordered after January 1,1990.” The Court, however, concludes that the meaning of this phrase has been altered or nullified by the subsequent codification to the Child Support Guidelines. In my view, this conclusion is not supported by the statutory language, is speculative, and is at odds with principles of statutory construction. Accordingly, I respectfully dissent.

[¶ 12] When we interpret a statute, our only goal is to…