Fugere v. Fugere

Kevin Fugere (plaintiff) owned and operated a large ranch property worth over $3 million. Marie Fugere (defendant) served as a postmaster, earning $60,000 a year. In early 2009, Marie filed for bankruptcy. In August 2009, Kevin and Marie married. Kevin continuously worked and was responsible for his ranch’s operations. Marie brought a $100,000 savings account and some personal property into the marriage. Marie did not like her postmaster job because she could not take any time off, and it was a source of stress for her. Marie decided to quit her job, and Kevin supported the decision. Marie became primarily responsible for household chores and assisted a little with ranch work. Marie had emotional problems, drank excessively, and attempted suicide twice during the marriage, all of which caused the parties’ relationship to deteriorate. In January 2013, after about three and a half years of marriage, Kevin filed for divorce. By then, the ranch had increased significantly in value. The court held a trial regarding division of property and heard testimony from both parties. The court decided to award Kevin property worth over $5.68 million because he brought the ranch into the marriage and had been the one primarily responsible for the ranch’s appreciation in value. Marie was awarded property worth $161,662, a cash award of $105,000 to compensate her for her house and ranch work, and monthly spousal support of $1,550 for five years. Marie appealed, claiming that she was entitled to one-half of the marital estate because she had left her postmaster job to support Kevin’s ranch.