Chenault v. Chenault
Kentucky Supreme Court
799 S.W.2d 575 (1990)
- Written by Haley Gintis, JD
Facts
In 1971, Ruby Chenault (plaintiff) and William Chenault (defendant) married. After 15 years together, the Chenaults divorced. As part of the divorce proceedings, the trial court held a hearing to determine the appropriate property division. Ruby alleged that prior to the marriage, she had $21,000 in cash; owned a $14,000 home that was later sold during the marriage; and had inherited 27 shares of Standard Oil of California stock, which had increased due to stock splits and provided dividends during the marriage. Based on the evidence that Ruby was able to provide, the trial court found that, at the time of the trial, Ruby owned 50 shares of Standard Oil of California stock and that she possessed over $90,000 in cash and securities. However, the trial court held that the assets were marital property because Ruby was unable to provide sufficient evidence to trace the assets to property she owned prior to the marriage. Ruby appealed. The court of appeals affirmed. Ruby appealed to the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Lambert, J.)
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