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Hoyt v. Hoyt
Citations: 249 Ark. 266; 459 S.W.2d 65; 1970 Ark. LEXIS 1092Docket: 5-5336
Court: Supreme Court of Arkansas; October 26, 1970; Arkansas; State Supreme Court
Sally Hoyt initiated a divorce suit against her husband, Dr. Hoyt, after their marriage, which commenced in 1955, ended in separation in 1969. The trial court granted the divorce on the grounds of adultery, with uncontradicted evidence supporting this claim. Custody of their three children, aged 12, 10, and 7, was awarded to Mrs. Hoyt, and the couple reached an agreement on property division, which was approved by the chancellor. The appeal focused solely on the alimony and child support amounts, with the chancellor awarding Mrs. Hoyt $500 per month for each, totaling $1,000. Dr. Hoyt contested these amounts, arguing they were excessive and should be reduced to $800 total. The court emphasized the chancellor's broad discretion in determining support amounts, noting that decisions are upheld unless there's clear evidence of abuse of that discretion. Dr. Hoyt, a physician with a net worth exceeding $110,000 and an income of approximately $32,000 in 1969 (after accounting for personal exemptions), claimed financial strain. However, Mrs. Hoyt detailed monthly expenses of about $1,450 to support herself and their children. The court found that the trial court's support allowances were justified based on the financial circumstances presented, affirming the original decision. Additionally, an attorney’s fee of $750 was awarded to Mrs. Hoyt for her legal representation in the appeal. The ruling was affirmed.