The amount of alimony Phoenix Suns player Tom Chambers was ordered to pay to his ex-wife has been reversed by the Utah Court of Appeals.
A judge in Weber County earlier ordered Chambers to pay his ex-wife, Erin Jo Chambers, $10,000 per month for three years and then $5,000 for three more years.But both Chambers and his ex-wife appealed the award of alimony following their divorce on Nov. 30, 1990. They were married on Feb. 12, 1980, and have three children.
Chambers played two seasons for the San Diego Clippers and then was traded to the Seattle Supersonics, completing five seasons. He signed a five-year contract with the Phoenix Suns and had finished two seasons at the time of the divorce.
Mrs. Chambers had virtually no employment during their marriage because she agreed to stay home with their children, according to court documents. She claims the trial court was wrong in reducing the amount of alimony after three years and terminating it after six years.
But Chambers argued that the award exceeded his ex-wife's needs.
The appeals court addressed both sides, ruling that the trial court did not look at Mrs. Chambers' level of education, health and ability to gain employment.
Judge Leonard Russon also wrote that the trial court "must do more than simply state that Chambers has the ability to pay."
The amount of alimony was remanded back to the trial court with those specifications. The appeals court also reversed and remanded a decision granting partial reimbursement of Mrs. Chambers attorney fees.
A decision regarding the division Chamber's retirement benefits also was reversed and sent back to 2nd District Court in Weber County.