Boechler v. St. Clair-Vorce

Summary

The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the District Court’s denial of Dan Conrad Boechler’s motions to increase child support, impose late fees, and obtain an accounting of assets allegedly belonging to the parties’ son. The Court held that the inheritance-related claims belonged in a separate action outside the dissolution proceeding and concluded that the District Court did not abuse its discretion. The memorandum decision was designated noncitable under the Montana Supreme Court’s Internal Operating Rules.

Holdings

1. The District Court did not err in refusing to adjudicate the alleged inheritance and accounting claims in the post-dissolution proceeding; those property-inheritance issues belonged in a separate action outside the dissolution proceeding.
2. The District Court did not abuse its discretion in denying Boechler's motion to increase child support.
3. The District Court did not err in denying late fees and related relief because the parties' course of dealing reflected an agreement concerning the timing and amount of payments, and St. Clair-Vorce had paid her fair share and often more than required.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the District Court erred in denying Boechler's request for an accounting of assets allegedly held by St. Clair-Vorce for the benefit of their son.
2. Whether the District Court erred in denying Boechler's motion to increase child support.
3. Whether the District Court erred in denying Boechler's request for late fees or contempt-related relief based on alleged untimely child-support payments.

Disposition

affirmed