Brenda Johnson Head v. Michael Allen Head ( 2010 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT NASHVILLE
May 11, 2010 Session
BRENDA JOHNSON HEAD v. MICHAEL ALLEN HEAD
Appeal from the Chancery Court for Sumner County
No. 2007D-341 Tom E. Gray, Chancellor
No. M2009-01351-COA-R3-CV - Filed September 30, 2010
This is a divorce action in which Husband appeals the valuation and division of marital
property, and the trial court’s awards of alimony, discretionary costs, and attorneys’ fees to
Wife. The trial court awarded 54 percent of the marital property to Wife and 46 percent to
Husband, and awarded Wife alimony in futuro of $6,400 per month until July 2013, at which
time the alimony payments will be reduced to $4,400 per month until either party’s death or
Wife’s remarriage. The trial court also awarded Wife discretionary costs and attorneys’ fees.
We have modified the trial court’s valuation of certain items of marital property, which
caused a modest decrease in the value of marital property awarded to Husband; however, we
affirm the trial court’s division of the marital property because our modification of the value
of certain property is relatively modest. We affirm the trial court’s award of alimony to Wife
and the award of attorneys’ fees; however, we reverse the award of discretionary costs and
remand for a new determination of the costs that may be awarded under Tenn. R. Civ. P.
54.04(2). We deny both parties’ requests for the costs of their attorneys’ fees incurred on this
appeal.
Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Reversed in
Part, Affirmed in Part, Remanded
F RANK G. C LEMENT, J R., J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which P ATRICIA J.
C OTTRELL, P.J., M.S., and R ICHARD H. D INKINS, J., joined.
Russell E. Edwards and Michael W. Edwards, Hendersonville, Tennessee, for the appellant,
Michael Allen Head.
Kimberley L. Reed-Bracey, Goodlettsville, Tennessee, for the appellee, Brenda Johnson
Head.
OPINION
The parties were married in 1971 and have one child who is an adult. Husband is a
veterinarian and owns his own veterinary practice in Madison, Tennessee. Wife has a high
school education and worked sporadically throughout the marriage.
On September 17, 2007, Wife filed for divorce citing the grounds of irreconcilable
differences and inappropriate marital conduct; Wife later amended her petition to add the
ground of adultery. Husband filed an answer admitting there were irreconcilable differences,
but denying the allegations of inappropriate marital conduct and adultery. Husband later
amended his answer to admit the adultery allegations.
During the pendency of the divorce proceedings, Wife filed a motion for temporary
spousal support. An agreed order regarding spousal support was entered on June 9, 2008, in
which Husband agreed to pay Wife $5,000 per month as support as well as pay the mortgage
on the marital home and various other expenses of Wife, such as Wife’s cellular phone bill
and health insurance payments. On July 28, 2008, the trial court awarded Wife $3,000 in
“litigation expenses” for the appraisal services of Pat McGuigan, who was appraising the
commercial property owned by the parties. On August 29, 2008, Husband filed a motion to
hold Wife in contempt for her destruction of property in her possession; the trial court later
awarded Husband $3,500 for the destroyed property.
On October 28, 2008, Wife filed a motion to have $20,000 she was to receive from
a personal injury, product liability settlement with DOW Chemical Company declared her
separate property. The trial court ruled that the issue of whether the money was separate or
marital property would be resolved at the final hearing, but allowed Wife to use the $20,000
in the interim to pay her attorney’s fees.
The final hearing was held on January 21, 2009. The parties stipulated that the Wife
was to be awarded a divorce on the grounds of Husband’s adultery. They also stipulated to
the value of the marital residence, and the values of both Husband and Wife’s IRA accounts,
ROTH IRA accounts, and SEP accounts.
On March 24, 2009, the Final Decree of Divorce was entered. The trial court
designated the DOW proceeds as Wife’s separate property and designated Husband’s
inheritance, along with real property purchased using the inheritance, as Husband’s separate
property. The trial court then valued and divided the marital property, awarding
approximately 54 percent of the marital estate to Wife.
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Wife was awarded the marital residence valued at $330,000; a 50 percent interest in
a Florida property; a 2005 Corvette; a 2003 Denali; a 1998 Harley Davidson Sportster;
Wife’s IRA, ROTH IRA, and SEP accounts; a Regions Bank checking account; a joint DWS
Money Market account; American Airlines air miles; household goods valued at $14,522.00;
$1,747.54 from an escrow check; and 78 percent of Husband’s SEP account amounting to
$207,198.00. The total value of the marital property awarded to Wife was $909,908.54.
Husband was awarded the Madison Veterinary Clinic; the Nashville Pet Emergency
Clinic; a 50 percent interest in the Florida property; a 2004 Chevrolet truck; a 2005 Haulmark
trailer; a 1995 Haulmark Trailer; a 1964 Corvette; a 2002 Harley Davidson Road Glider; a
1990 Harley Davidson FXR; Tennessee Titans personal seating licenses; household goods
and furnishings in the amount of $21,382.00; a Regions Bank account with $1,053.00; a
Michael Head account with $1,638.00; the Madison Veterinary Clinic Regions Bank account;
a portion of the escrow check in the amount of $1,256.16; Husband’s ROTH IRA and IRA
accounts; 22 percent of Husband’s SEP account; American Airlines air miles; and Knox
County bonds valued at $50,000. The total value of the marital property awarded to Husband
was $790,019.90.
The trial court awarded Wife alimony in futuro of $5,000 per month beginning in
April 2009 and continuing until July 2013, at which time Wife’s alimony payments would
be reduced to $3,000 per month until either party’s death or Wife’s remarriage.
On April 2, 2009, Wife filed a motion to alter or amend the final divorce decree
requesting that the trial court address the issue of COBRA post divorce and attorneys’ fees,
and filed a motion for discretionary costs. Husband also filed a motion to alter or amend
contending that the trial court erred in designating the $50,000 of Knox County bonds as
marital property, asking that the value of the household goods awarded to Husband be
reduced, and requesting that he be reimbursed for the $3,000 paid to appraise the commercial
property. A hearing on the motions was held on April 20, 2009 and the trial court issued a
Memorandum and Order on June 3, 2009. In the opinion, the trial court designated the Knox
County bonds as Husband’s separate property and granted Husband’s request for
reimbursement of the $3,000 paid to the appraiser; however, the court denied Husband’s
request for the revaluation of the household goods.1 The court also awarded Wife $40,172.00
in attorneys’ fees, $10, 827.75 in discretionary costs, costs of the court reporter, and costs of
the deposition of Wife’s witness, Dr. Bazuldua. The award of alimony in futuro was amended
to increase her payments to $6,400 per month until July 2013 at which time the amount
1
Following the modifications by the trial court, Husband’s marital property award amounted to
$761,150.54.
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would decrease to $4,400. The increase was intended to cover the costs of Wife’s health
insurance. Husband filed a timely appeal.
A NALYSIS
On appeal, Husband challenges the division of the marital property, the award of
alimony in futuro, the award of discretionary costs, and the award of attorneys’ fees to Wife.
Husband and Wife both request that this court award them the costs of their attorneys’ fees
on appeal.
D IVISION OF M ARITAL P ROPERTY
The division of the parties’ marital estate begins with the classification of the property
as separate or marital property. Miller v. Miller, 81 S.W.3d 771, 775 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2001).
Tennessee is a “dual property” state, thus, property cannot be included in the marital estate
unless it is deemed “marital property.” Smith v. Smith, 93 S.W.3d 871, 875-76 (Tenn. Ct.
App. 2002). The definition of “marital property” is found at Tenn. Code Ann. §
36-4-121(b)(1)(A). “Separate property,” as that term is defined in Tenn. Code Ann. §
36-4-121(b)(2)(A)-(F), is not marital property. Therefore, separate property should not be
included in the marital estate. Snodgrass v. Snodgrass, 295 S.W.3d 240, 246 (Tenn. 2009).
Property classification is a question of fact. Bilyeau v. Bilyeau, 196 S.W.3d 131, 135 (Tenn.
Ct. App. 2005). Thus, we review the trial court’s classification using the familiar standard
of review in Tenn. R. App. P. 13(d).
Once property has been classified as marital property, the court should place a
reasonable value on the property that is subject to division. Edmisten v. Edmisten, No.
M2001-00081-COA-R3-CV, 2003 WL 21077990, at *11 (Tenn. Ct. App. May 13, 2003).
The parties have the burden to provide competent valuation evidence. Kinard v. Kinard, 986
S.W.2d 220, 231 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998). When valuation evidence is conflicting, the court
may place a value on the property that is within the range of the values presented. Id. (citing
Ray v. Ray, 916 S.W.2d 469, 470 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1995); Wallace v. Wallace, 733 S.W.2d
102, 107 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1987)). Decisions regarding the value of marital property are
questions of fact and we presume the trial court’s factual determinations are correct unless
the evidence preponderates against them. Id. (citing Jahn v. Jahn, 932 S.W.2d 939, 941
(Tenn. Ct. App. 1996)).
Once the marital property has been valued, the trial court is to divide the marital
property in an equitable manner. Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-121(a)(1); Miller, 81 S.W.3d at
775. A division of marital property in an equitable manner does not require that the property
be divided equally. Robertson v. Robertson, 76 S.W.3d 337, 341 (Tenn. 2002). “Dividing
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a marital estate is not a mechanical process but rather is guided by considering the factors in
Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-121(c).” Kinard, 986 S.W.2d at 230. “Trial courts have wide
latitude in fashioning an equitable division of marital property.” Id. Therefore, this court
accords great weight to the trial court’s division of marital property. Wilson v. Moore, 929
S.W.2d 367, 372 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996). Thus, we defer to the trial court’s division of the
marital estate unless it is inconsistent with the factors in Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-121(c) or
is not supported by a preponderance of the evidence. Brown v. Brown, 913 S.W.2d 163, 168
(Tenn. Ct. App. 1994).
M ARITAL P ROPERTY IN D ISPUTE
Husband challenges the values assigned to the following marital property: the
Madison Veterinary Clinic, the Madison Veterinary Clinic Regions Bank account, the
household goods and furnishings, the 2005 Corvette, the 1964 Corvette, the 1990 Harley
Davidson FXR, the Haulmark trailers, and the Tennessee Titans personal seating licenses.
1. Madison Veterinary Clinic
Husband’s first challenge is to the value of the fixtures and equipment of his
veterinary practice, which the court found to be $28,947. The court’s finding was based on
the testimony of John Richard Garrett, who valued the fixtures at $28,947, which was based
in part upon an assessment by another expert, Ethan Massa.
Husband contends that the testimony of Mr. Massa should have been excluded
because he was not qualified to give an opinion, his testimony was not trustworthy, and his
testimony did not substantially assist the trier of fact.2 Husband also contends that he is in a
better position to value the fixtures than Mr. Massa because Husband “is a licensed
veterinarian, knows the market, and is around the fixtures on a daily basis.” It is Husband’s
opinion that the true value of the fixtures and equipment is $19,885.
Mr. Massa has worked as an appraiser since 2002 and was employed as an appraiser
by John Hildreth and Associates. Mr. Massa testified that he was certified with the Certified
Appraisers Guild of America, and has appraised veterinary equipment in three prior cases
within the past six years, once for a divorce action and twice for bankruptcy actions. The
admissibility of expert testimony is within the discretion of the trial court. State v. Ballard,
855 S.W.2d 557, 562 (Tenn. 1993). On appeal, the trial court’s ruling on whether to permit
or exclude such testimony may only be overturned if the discretion is arbitrarily exercised or
2
At trial, Husband objected to Mr. Massa’s testimony as an expert witness, which the trial court
overruled.
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abused. Id. Under the abuse of discretion standard, a trial court’s ruling “will be upheld so
long as reasonable minds can disagree as to the propriety of the decision made.” Eldridge v.
Eldridge, 42 S.W.3d 82, 85 (Tenn. 2001). The abuse of discretion standard does not permit
the appellate court to substitute its judgment for that of the trial court. Id. We find nothing
in the record to indicate that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting the testimony
of Mr. Massa, an experienced appraiser, on the valuation of the veterinary equipment.
We also find no reason to disturb the trial court’s valuation of the equipment and
fixtures in the clinic. The value of the equipment and fixtures was disputed and the trial court
chose to adopt the values placed upon the equipment by Wife’s two experts over that of
Husband’s assessment, which notably excluded $7,500 worth of software. As we noted
above, decisions regarding the value of marital property are questions of fact and we presume
the trial court’s factual determinations are correct unless the evidence preponderates against
them. Kinard, 986 S.W.2d at 231 (citing Jahn, 932 S.W.2d at 941).
The value assigned to the Madison Veterinary Clinic was supported by the testimony
of Mr. Massa and Mr. Garrett, and, thus, we will not disturb the trial court’s ruling.
2. Veterinary Clinic Bank Account
The trial court made a separate valuation of the funds on deposit in the Veterinary
Clinic’s checking account at Regions Bank. The court valued this asset at $27,603. Husband,
however, contends this was error because the $27,603 was already included in the
determination of the value of the veterinary clinic. We agree.
Husband correctly notes that the value of the checking account was included in Mr.
Garrett’s valuation of the Veterinary Clinic. While the testimony of Mr. Garrett may not have
been sufficiently clear, a review of the Valuation Report prepared by Mr. Garrett, which was
submitted as an exhibit, clearly indicates that the funds on deposit in the checking account
were included in Mr. Garrett’s overall valuation of the clinic. Therefore, it should not be
valued a second time as a marital asset.
We, therefore, find the evidence preponderates against the award of the checking
account as an additional asset. Accordingly, the total value of the marital property awarded
to Husband should be reduced by $27,603.
3. Household Goods and Furnishings
The trial court determined that the value of the household goods and furnishings was
$21,382. Husband asserts the value is only $17,835.
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Husband contends the trial court erroneously adopted the valuation of Wife’s expert,
Connie Sue Davenport, because Ms. Davenport did not view $7,000 worth of the items she
valued. We, however, find Husband’s contention disingenuous. This is because Husband
repeatedly refused to allow Ms. Davenport into his home so that she could “view” the items
at issue.
The parties stipulated that Ms. Davenport was a qualified expert witness. Ms.
Davenport based her $21,382 appraisal on the items she viewed as well as a list of items that
Husband removed from the marital residence. Husband signed this list and admitted that
these were items in his possession, however, Husband refused to allow Ms. Davenport to see
or view the items at issue.
Wife presented the testimony of Ms. Davenport and Husband presented his own
opinion as to the value of the goods. The trial court felt that Ms. Davenport’s valuation was
credible and more accurate than Husband’s, and the evidence does not preponderate against
the trial court’s finding. We, therefore, affirm the value of the household goods and
furnishings assigned by the trial court.
4. 2005 Corvette
Husband contends the 2005 Corvette was his separate property; therefore, the trial
court erred in classifying it as marital property and awarding it to Wife. Alternatively,
Husband contends that if this court affirms the award of the Corvette to Wife, the value of
the Corvette should be increased from $32,000 to $37,000.
Husband asserts that he purchased the 2005 Corvette with proceeds he received from
a personal injury settlement. The only evidence of this was Husband’s testimony and this
testimony was contradicted by Wife who testified that she was also a plaintiff in the personal
injury action and thus the proceeds were in part hers. Wife also testified that the Corvette was
a gift to her from Husband. We find that the disputed evidence does not preponderate against
the trial court’s finding that the 2005 Corvette was marital property. We also find no abuse
of discretion in awarding the vehicle to Wife in the division of marital property.
As for the value of the vehicle, the parties have the burden to provide competent
valuation evidence. Kinard, 986 S.W.2d at 231. The court determined the vehicle was marital
property; thus, both spouses owned the vehicle, and, as owners of the personal property, each
spouse was entitled to give an opinion as to the value of his or her property. See Crook v.
Mid-South Transfer & Storage, Inc., 499 S.W.2d 255, 260 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1973) (citing
McKinnon v. Michaud 260 S.W.2d 721 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1953)) (stating it is permissible for
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an individual to testify as to the value of his or her personal property even though he or she
does not qualify as an expert).
Wife opined that the value of the 2005 Corvette was $31,675. Her opinion was based
upon knowledge she derived over the years from reading a monthly Corvette magazine,
watching the Barrett-Jackson Auto Show3 on television, and internet research. Husband
opined that the Corvette had a value of $37,000. His opinion was based upon the Kelley Blue
Book.
“The weight, faith and credit to be given to any witness’s testimony lies in the first
instance with the trier of fact. The credibility accorded will be given great weight by the
appellate court.” Koch v. Koch, 874 S.W.2d 571, 577 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993) (citing Town of
Alamo v. Forcum-James Co., 327 S.W.2d 47 (Tenn. 1959); Sisk v. Valley Forge Ins. Co., 640
S.W.2d 844 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1982)). In this case, the trial court obviously placed greater
weight, faith, and credit to Wife’s testimony.
When valuation evidence is conflicting, as is the case here, the court may place a
value on the property that is within the range of the values presented. Kinard, 986 S.W.2d
at 231. The trial court determined that the value was $32,000, a value that is within the range
of the values presented. The evidence does not preponderate against this determination. Thus,
we affirm the value assigned for the 2005 Corvette.
5. 1964 Corvette
Husband contends that the trial court erred in assigning a value of $35,000 to the 1964
Corvette. Husband testified that the value of the Corvette is $26,000 because the vehicle has
more than 200,000 miles on it. Wife testified that the value was $45,000, an opinion she
based on knowledge derived from the Barrett-Jackson sales reports and the recent sale of a
1964 Corvette for $52,000 at auction. Husband complains that the trial court “split the
proverbial baby” by assigning a value midway between the figures testified to by the parties.
No expert testimony was presented and each of the parties, as owners of the vehicle,
opined as to the value of the vehicle. As discussed earlier, the weight and credit to be given
to their testimony lies with the trier of fact and the credibility accorded to that testimony will
be given great weight by this court. Koch, 874 S.W.2d at 577. There was conflicting evidence
concerning the value of the 1964 Corvette and the trial court assigned a value that is within
the range of values presented. Kinard, 986 S.W.2d at 231. Accordingly, we will not disturb
the trial court’s determination of the value of the 1964 Corvette.
3
Wife referred to the auction as both “Barrett Jackson” and “Barrett Johnson” during her testimony.
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6. 1990 Harley Davidson FXR
Husband argues that the trial court erred in valuing the 1990 Harley Davidson FXR
at $10,000. Husband testified that the value was $6,500, while Wife testified that the
motorcycle was worth $15,000; thus, there was conflicting evidence concerning the value of
the motorcycle. The trial court assigned a value that is within the range of values presented
and the evidence does not preponderate against the trial court’s finding. Kinard, 986 S.W.2d
at 231. Accordingly, we affirm the trial court’s determination of the value of the motorcycle.
7. Two Haulmark Trailers
The trial court found that Husband was the sole owner of two Haulmark trailers.
Husband contends he only owned a one-half interest in both trailers; therefore, the value of
the trailers attributed to him should be divided in half. We agree.
It is undisputed that Husband only owns a one-half interest in the trailers. It is also
undisputed that the value of the 1995 trailer is $2,000 and the value of the 2005 trailer is
$2,500.
Therefore, the trial court erred in finding that Husband was the sole owner of the two
trailers and that the total value of the trailers should be assigned to him. Accordingly, the
judgment of the trial court is modified to reflect that Husband only owns a one-half interest
in each trailer and that Husband should only be credited with an equity interest of $1,000 in
the 1995 Haulmark trailer and $1,250 in the 2005 Haulmark trailer.
8. Tennessee Titans Personal Seating Licenses
Husband contends the trial court erred in valuing two Tennessee Titans football
personal seating licenses (PSLs). The trial court valued the two licenses at $3,500 each, for
a total value of $7,000.
Husband testified that the value of each license is only $1,500, which both parties
agreed was the amount they paid to acquire the PSLs. Wife testified that she believed the
total value of the PSLs was $7,000, but she admitted that her opinion had no economic basis,
only a belief the PSLs would sell for that much. Both parties are entitled to give an opinion
as to the value of their personal property, however, we find that Wife’s value has no
foundation but that Husband’s valuation does. We, therefore, find that the evidence
preponderates against the trial court’s valuation of the two PSLs. Accordingly, we modify
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the judgment of the trial court and set the value of each PSL at $1,500, which was the
purchase price, for a total value of $3,000.
9. Wife’s Money Market Account
Husband contends the trial court erred in not allocating an additional $21,061.99 as
part of Wife’s share of the division of the marital estate. The funds pertain to a money market
account Wife previously maintained at Region’s Bank.
Wife contends the so-called “mysterious $21,061.99” was money that remained from
her settlement with DOW, which was awarded to her as her separate property. Wife further
asserts that, due to her identity being stolen, she had to close some of her accounts and open
new ones, which resulted in confusion concerning these separate funds.
From the review of the record, it is unclear if the “mysterious $21,061.99” about
which Husband complains existed at the time of the final divorce hearing. Husband had the
burden to prove that the money still existed or that it was marital property and Wife
dissipated the money.
The evidence in the record regarding the “mysterious $21,061.99” is confusing at best
and we find that the evidence does not preponderate against the trial court’s decision not to
include the “mysterious $21,061.99” in the marital estate.
10. Husband’s SEP Account
Husband’s last argument concerning the marital property is that the trial court erred
by awarding Wife 78 percent of Husband’s SEP account. He contends Wife should only
receive 39 percent of the SEP account. By doing so, Husband contends, the division of the
marital estate would be substantially equal, and, thus, equitable.
An equitable division of the marital property does not require that the property be
divided equally. Robertson, 76 S.W.3d at 341. “Dividing a marital estate is not a mechanical
process but rather is guided by considering the factors in Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-121(c).”
Kinard, 986 S.W.2d at 230. “Trial courts have wide latitude in fashioning an equitable
division of marital property.” Id. Therefore, this court accords great weight to the trial court’s
division of marital property. Wilson, 929 S.W.2d at 372. Thus, we defer to the trial court’s
division of the marital estate unless it is inconsistent with the factors in Tenn. Code Ann. §
36-4-121(c) or is not supported by a preponderance of the evidence. Brown, 913 S.W.2d at
168. The statute sets forth the following factors for consideration when dividing the marital
estate. Those factors include, but are not limited to, the duration of the marriage; the age,
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physical and mental health, vocational skills, employability, earning capacity of the parties;
the estate of the parties; the financial liabilities and needs of the parties; the relative ability
of each party for future acquisitions of capital assets and income; the economic
circumstances of each party when the division of property is to become effective; and other
factors necessary to consider the equities between the parties. See Tenn. Code Ann. §
36-4-121(c)(1)-(11).
Husband contends that an equitable division of the marital estate would have been to
divide the marital estate equally, with 50 percent to each party. We do not agree. The parties
were married for 37 years. Husband has a far superior earning capacity as a veterinarian,
while Wife has only a high school education, limited work experience, and significant health
problems that limit her ability to work. The evidence showed that Wife worked and helped
support the couple while Husband was in veterinary school and she worked in the veterinary
clinic until the birth of the parties’ only child.
Considering the relevant factors as the trial court obviously did, we find that the trial
court’s division of the marital estate is consistent with the statutory factors and is supported
by the evidence. Robertson, 76 S.W.3d at 341. Accordingly, we will not disturb the trial
court’s award regarding Husband’s SEP account.
A LIMONY IN F UTURO
The trial court awarded Wife alimony in futuro of $6,400 per month until July 2013,
when she turns sixty years old, at which time the amount would decrease to $4,400 and
continue thereafter until Wife’s remarriage or either party’s death. Husband’s contends the
award of alimony was excessive because Wife does not need the amount awarded and
Husband does not have the ability to pay that amount.
The trial court has broad discretion in awarding spousal support. Broadbent v.
Broadbent, 211 S.W.3d 216, 220 (Tenn. 2006) (citing Bratton v. Bratton, 136 S.W.3d 595,
605 (Tenn. 2004)). Further, the trial court has broad discretion to determine whether spousal
support is needed and, if so, the nature, amount, and duration of support. Garfinkel v.
Garfinkel, 945 S.W.2d 744, 748 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996). Accordingly, we are generally
disinclined to second-guess a trial judge’s decision regarding spousal support unless it is not
supported by the evidence or is contrary to the public policies reflected in the applicable
statutes. Broadbent, 211 S.W.3d at 220 (citing Bogan v. Bogan, 60 S.W.3d 721, 727 (Tenn.
2001) (quoting Kinard, 986 S.W.2d at 234)). It is the role of this court in reviewing an award
of spousal support to determine whether the trial court applied the correct legal standard and
reached a decision that is not clearly unreasonable. Id. (citing Bogan, 60 S.W.3d at 733).
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Therefore, we review an award of alimony based upon the abuse of discretion standard. Id.
(citing Bratton, 136 S.W.3d at 605).
The trial court found that Husband had the ability to pay $6,400 per month and that
Wife was in need of that amount of alimony. In making this award, the trial court noted the
length of the marriage, the fact that Wife supported Husband both financially and otherwise
during his education to become a veterinarian, Husband’s greater earning capacity, and the
physical condition of Wife, which limited her ability to work. The court further noted the
decrease in the alimony award in 2013 would correspond to Wife’s 60th birthday, on which
date she would be able to access the funds in the IRA and SEP accounts without a tax
penalty.
The evidence in the record fully supports the finding that Wife has a need for alimony
as she has only a high school education, limited work experience, and significant health
problems that made it difficult for her to work outside the home. As for the amount needed,
Wife submitted her monthly expenses as $8,657.00, of which $1,457.00 per month was for
the cost of her health insurance. Husband challenged the amount of her expenses, stating that
Wife’s expenses are as little at $1,084.30. We, however, find that Husband’s calculations are
so extreme they lack credibility because Husband’s itemization of Wife’s expenses fail to
provide for food, other basic living expenses, and health insurance. Conversely, we note with
great interest that Husband included in the calculation of his monthly living expenses
allowances for food, restaurants, and clothing. Not surprisingly, we are unable to fathom why
food and clothing are necessities for Husband but Wife has no need for such items.
As for Husband’s contention that he does not have the ability to pay, we find this
contention in conflict with the preponderance of the evidence. Husband has lived a lavish
lifestyle, as the assortment of expensive motor vehicles, including two Corvettes, and other
nonessential vehicles indicate. Husband’s claimed inability to pay the alimony awarded by
the trial court is also undermined by his own admissions that he has a history of under
reporting his income. He testified that he often took cash payments for his veterinary services
and did not report the cash receipts as income on the Clinic’s books or his income tax returns.
Moreover, Husband’s “unrecognized” cash income was not insignificant, it ranged from
$1,100 to $2,220 per month.4 Husband also admitted keeping as much as $22,000 in cash
in a safe deposit box and keeping additional cash at home in his armoire; however, by the
time of trial he said he had no cash stowed away.
4
Husband also admitted that he kept a receipt book as a record of these cash payments, however,
Husband claims to have thrown the receipt book away prior to the trial.
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We also find it problematic that the monthly expenses claimed by Husband exceed the
income he reported. He claims his monthly expenses are $7,677, yet he estimated his net
income for 2008 to be $7,455 per month, which is less than his reported net income. This
amount, of course, is based on his “reported” income, which does not include up to $2,200
of unreported cash income per month. At the time of the trial, Husband had not submitted his
2008 federal income tax, but he claimed his gross income was only $10,427 per month. If the
unreported cash receipts of $2,200 per month are included in his income, as they should be,
Husband’s monthly income would be approximately $12,600. Accordingly, even if
Husband’s net income in 2008 diminished due to the current economy, it would certainly
exceed the $7,455 per month he reports.
Husband also contends he would be left with only $1,055.54 per month for his living
expenses if the alimony award is affirmed; however, during the pendency of the divorce,
Husband paid temporary support to Wife of $7,000 per month, which is more than that
awarded by the trial court.
Having reviewed the record closely, it is readily apparent that the trial court doubted
Husband’s credibility and we find no reason to place more faith or credit in Husband’s
testimony regarding his expenses and income than the trial court.
Based upon the evidence and the factors set forth at Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-
121(i)(1)-(12), we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in the award of alimony
in futuro to Wife. Thus, we affirm the award of alimony in futuro of $6,400 per month until
July 2013, when Wife turns sixty years old, at which time the amount decreases to $4,400 per
month and continues thereafter until Wife’s remarriage or either party’s death.
D ISCRETIONARY C OSTS
The trial court awarded Wife discretionary costs in the amount of $10,827.75, plus
court reporter fees for the trial and the deposition of Wife’s doctor, Dr. Bazuldua. Husband
contends that some of the costs awarded do not fall within the purview of Tenn. R. Civ. P.
54.04(2). We agree.
Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 54.04(2) permits the prevailing party in a civil
action to recover “discretionary costs.” Under Rule 54.04(2), discretionary costs include
“reasonable and necessary court reporter expenses for depositions or trials, reasonable and
necessary expert witness fees for depositions (or stipulated reports) and for trials, reasonable
and necessary interpreter fees for depositions or trials, and guardian ad litem fees.”
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The purpose of Rule 54.04(2) is not to punish the losing party but rather to help make
the prevailing party whole. Duran v. Hyundai Motor America, Inc., 271 S.W.3d 178, 214
(Tenn. Ct. App. 2008) (citing Owens v. Owens, 241 S.W.3d 478, 497 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2007);
Scholz v. S.B. Int’l, Inc., 40 S.W.3d 78, 85 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2000)).
The party seeking discretionary costs has the burden of convincing the trial court that
it is entitled to these costs. Id. (citing Carpenter v. Klepper, 205 S.W.3d 474, 490 (Tenn. Ct.
App. 2006); Stalsworth v. Grummons, 36 S.W.3d 832, 835 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2000)). A party
seeking discretionary costs can satisfy this burden by filing a properly supported motion
demonstrating: (1) that it is the prevailing party; (2) that the costs being sought are included
in Tenn. R. Civ. P. 54.04(2); (3) that the costs are necessary and reasonable; and (4) that it
has not engaged in conduct during the litigation that would justify depriving it of the costs
it is requesting. Id. (citing Trundle v. Park, 210 S.W.3d 575, 582 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2006);
Waggoner Motors, Inc. v. Waverly Church of Christ, 159 S.W.3d 42, 65-66 (Tenn. Ct. App.
2004); Mass. Mut. Life Ins. Co. v. Jefferson, 104 S.W.3d 13, 35-36 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2002))
(emphasis added).
As our Supreme Court has explained, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 54.04(2) “specifically limits
discretionary costs with regard to expert witnesses to their fees for testifying.” Miles v. Voss
Health Care Center, 896 S.W.2d 773, 776 (Tenn. 1995); see also Mass. Mut. Life Ins., 104
S.W.3d at 38. The record before us clearly indicates that some of the costs awarded to Wife
were the fees of expert witnesses who either testified in deposition or at trial, which are
properly recoverable under Rule 54.04(2). However, a prevailing party cannot recover the
fees for the time an expert prepared for a deposition or trial. Mass. Mut. Life Ins., 104 S.W.3d
at 38;Trundle, 210 S.W.3d at 583.
The record before us reveals that some of the expert fees awarded to Wife were for
services other than the expert’s testimony in deposition or trial, and such fees are not
recoverable under Rule 54.04(2). The trial court awarded Wife $930.00 for the services of
Connie Davenport; however, according to Wife’s detailed list of discretionary costs, only
$360.00 of this amount was for Ms. Davenport’s court appearance. The other fees charged
by Ms. Davenport were for outstanding work and appraising Wife’s home furnishings; these
expenses do not fall under Tenn. R. Civ. P. 54.04(2). Therefore, the award for the costs of
Ms. Davenport should be reduced to $360.00.
Additionally, the trial court awarded Wife $8,797.75 for Mr. Garrett’s fee. We have
determined that Wife did not sufficiently itemize the type of services and the fees for each
particular service for the court to make a proper Rule 54.04(2) allocation. We also note an
invoice submitted by Mr. Garrett reveals that he charged $642.25 for preparation and
testimony at the trial. The trial court awarded the entire fee as a discretionary cost; however,
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the part of the fee that was for “preparation” may not be awarded as a discretionary cost
under Rule 54.04(2). Therefore, we remand the issue of discretionary costs to the trial court
and, on remand, the trial court shall ascertain which of Mr. Garrett’s fees are recoverable
under Rule 54.04(2) and which are not, and modify the award of discretionary costs
accordingly.
As for the other costs awarded as discretionary costs, they were for the following:
$400.00 for the deposition testimony of Dr. Bazaldua, an expert witness, and $700.00 for the
trial testimony of expert witness Ethan Massa. These discretionary costs are recoverable
under Rule 54.04(2) and we affirm the award of these costs.
Therefore, on remand, the trial court shall reduce the award for the fee of Ms.
Davenport to $360.00, and the trial court shall review the nature of the services rendered by
Mr. Garrett to determine what portion of Mr. Garrett’s fees are recoverable under Tenn. R.
Civ. P. 54.04(2) and modify the award of discretionary costs as required.
A TTORNEYS’ F EES
Lastly, Husband contends that the trial court erred in awarding Wife attorney’s fees,
and requests his attorneys’ fees for the costs of this appeal. Wife also requests her attorney’s
fees for this appeal.
An award of attorneys’ fees in a divorce action constitutes alimony in solido. Wilder
v. Wilder, 66 S.W.3d 892, 894 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2001). An award of attorneys’ fees is to be
based upon a consideration of the factors set forth at Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-121(i), and is
appropriate when the spouse seeking them does not have adequate funds to pay his or her
legal expenses. Yount v. Yount, 91 S.W.3d 777, 783 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2002). “It is considered
most appropriate where the final decree of divorce does not provide the obligee spouse with
a source of funds, such as from property division or alimony in solido, with which to pay his
or her attorney.” Id. (citing Houghland v. Houghland, 844 S.W.2d 619 (Tenn. Ct. App.
1992)). The award of attorney fees is within the sound discretion of the trial court, and will
not be reversed on appeal if that discretion is not abused. Id. (citing Garfinkel, 945 S.W.2d
at 744).
The evidence at trial demonstrated that Wife was the disadvantaged spouse and that
attorneys’ fees were incurred due to Husband’s lack of cooperation during discovery. The
record also reveals, as the trial court found, that Wife contributed to the delay in the
resolution of this action, for which Husband was awarded an offset of $10,135 for attorney’s
fees due to a successful contempt motion against Wife. Having reviewed the record, we find
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the trial court did not abuse its discretion by awarding Wife attorneys’ fees in the amount of
$30,037. Therefore, we affirm the trial court’s award of attorneys’ fees to Wife.
As for both parties’ requests to recover the attorneys’ fees they incurred on appeal,
this opinion reveals that each party was successful on some issues in this appeal, and, thus
we deny both requests to recover attorneys’ fee incurred on appeal.
I N C ONCLUSION
In conclusion, we affirm the values assigned to the Madison Veterinary Clinic, the
household goods and furnishings, the 2005 Corvette, the 1964 Corvette, and the 1990 Harley
Davidson FXR. We also affirm the allocation of Husband’s SEP account with 78 percent
awarded to Wife and 22 percent to Husband. We find the trial court erred by assigning an
additional value to the Madison Veterinarian Clinic Regions bank account, as it was included
in the value of the Clinic. We also find the value of the Tennessee Titans personal seating
licenses, which were valued at $7,000, should be reduced to an aggregate value of $3,000.
Accordingly, the total amount of marital property awarded to Husband is reduced by
$33,853.00. Although we have modified the valuation of certain marital assets, our
adjustments are inconsequential and do not render the division of marital property
inequitable. Accordingly, except as expressly modified above, we affirm the division of
marital property as determined by the trial court.
The judgment of the trial court is affirmed in part, modified and reversed in part, and
this matter is remanded to the trial court to reconsider the award of discretionary costs, as
stated herein, and to enter judgment accordingly. Costs of this appeal are assessed against
the parties equally.
______________________________
FRANK G. CLEMENT, JR., JUDGE
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