Jensen v. Jensen
Texas Supreme Court
665 S.W.2d 107 (1984)
- Written by Whitney Kamerzel , JD
Facts
Robert Jensen (plaintiff) married Burlene Jensen (defendant). Before the marriage, Robert formed RLJ Printing Company, Inc., and purchased 48,455 shares of its stock for $1.56 each. During the marriage, Robert was the company’s key employee, and he helped the company’s stock increase in value to at least $13.48 per share during the marriage. At divorce, the trial court held that even though the company’s successful operations and the increase in stock value were due to Robert’s efforts, Robert’s stock and the increase in value were Robert’s separate property. The trial court also found that Robert’s work was adequately compensated considering Robert’s percentage of stock ownership. The court did not consider whether Robert was adequately compensated based on the salary, bonuses, and dividends he received. The court of appeals reversed the trial court’s ruling, holding that the increase in value of Robert’s stock was community property. Robert appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Wallace, J.)
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