The North Dakota Supreme Court convened on December 12, 2024, to discuss the case of Walden v. Walden, focusing on the implications of a recent statute change on divorce proceedings. The central issue revolved around the applicability of North Dakota Century Code 14-05-24.1, which limits spousal support to 60% of the marriage duration.
During the proceedings, Miss Johnson, representing one party, clarified that the divorce was initiated in February 2023, prior to the statute's enactment. This raised a critical question for the justices regarding whether the new law should apply to a case that began before its effective date. The justices expressed concern about the timing of the statute and its relevance to the ongoing case.
The discussion highlighted the confusion surrounding the statute's application, with Miss Johnson acknowledging her lack of awareness about the law's timing. The justices probed further, questioning the implications of applying the new statute to a case that was already in progress.
In response to the court's inquiries about spousal support, Miss Johnson argued that it was not warranted under any circumstances, suggesting that the court may have felt constrained by the new statute in its decision-making process.
The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent regarding how changes in law affect ongoing divorce proceedings in North Dakota, particularly in relation to spousal support determinations. The court's decision will likely clarify the application of the statute and its impact on future cases.