Malpeso v. Malpeso
2013 WL 539053
Conn. App. Ct.2013Background
- Dissolution of marriage in 2004; separation agreement incorporated into judgment; Article 3 governs alimony and child support.
- Paragraph 3.1 provides $20,000 monthly payment for alimony or support of minor children, to be paid by defendant.
- Paragraph 3.2 states alimony is modifiable only under specified circumstances; it limits modification of alimony, not explicitly of child support.
- Paragraph 3.3 directs parties to negotiate child support if alimony terminates; if no agreement, a court will determine child support; retroactive to last alimony payment.
- In 2011, defendant moved to modify alimony and child support; trial court held modification possible only for a substantial NY economy change due to a catastrophe, and found 3.2 controlling; defendant appeals.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether child support is modifiable despite 3.2 limitations. | Malpeso contends agreement precludes modification of child support. | Malpeso contends silent on child support modifiability; modifiable under general law. | Child support modifiable; doctrine favors modifiability absent clear nonmodification language. |
Key Cases Cited
- Guille v. Guille, 196 Conn. 260 (1985) (presumption favoring modifiability of child support; need clear terms to preclude modification)
- Tomlinson v. Tomlinson, 305 Conn. 539 (2012) (unallocated order; modification of child support possible under custody or substantial change; allocation concerns and tax implications)
- Favrow v. Vargas, 231 Conn. 1 (1994) (contracts cannot contract away support obligations for minor children)
- Remillard v. Remillard, 297 Conn. 345 (2010) (contract interpretation; ambiguity vs. unambiguous contract language)