Love v. Love

After Ann B. Love (plaintiff) obtained a 1990 divorce from Miller L. Love, Jr. (defendant) on adultery grounds, with a separation agreement providing $1,100 monthly alimony (later increased to $1,700) subject to court modification, Ann began dating Otis Goodwin in 1995 and moved into his home about eighteen months later; she paid him rent and utilities, was a cardholder on his credit account, could write checks on his behalf, received business loans and a $40,000 real-estate gift from him, and both admitted their romantic relationship, though they never married or intended to. In 2003, Miller sought to terminate alimony, arguing Ann's relationship with Goodwin amounted to a remarriage; the trial court terminated alimony, and Ann appealed, arguing the court lacked authority to do so.