E. Iacobelli

Following a family law trial, the court addressed outstanding issues regarding the form of spousal support and costs.

The applicant sought to pay spousal support as a lump sum to allow for a set-off against costs owed by the respondent, citing the respondent's unreasonable litigation conduct and the need for a clean break.

The court agreed, awarding a lump sum of $114,064 in spousal support.

Due to the respondent's unreasonable conduct and the applicant's better offers to settle, the court awarded the applicant $104,562.10 in costs, which were ordered to be set off against the lump sum spousal support.

The parties separated after a 17-year marriage with no children.

The applicant sought a divorce, equalization of net family property, and exclusive possession of the matrimonial home.

The respondent opposed the divorce, claimed a constructive trust interest in the home, and sought spousal support.

The court granted the divorce, finding no merit in the respondent's procedural objections.

The court dismissed the constructive trust claim, as the respondent's renovations did not increase the home's value.

The court ordered an equalization payment of $18,968.36 to the respondent and awarded her needs-based spousal support of $540 per month, imputing an income of $35,000 to her.

The applicant was granted sole possession of the matrimonial home.