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Hart, CVA07-009}{\subject civil}{\author Supreme Court of GUam }{\operator Kym Freriks}{\creatim\yr2008\mo7\dy31\hr12\min50}{\revtim\yr2008\mo8\dy1\hr14\min38}{\printim\yr2008\mo7\dy24\hr16\min39}{\version4}{\edmins40}{\nofpages14} {\nofwords5102}{\nofchars29082}{\*\company Judiciary of Guam}{\nofcharsws34116}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb1008\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct\asianbrkrule\rsidroot1991616 \fet0 {\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12285377 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12285377 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12285377 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12285377 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz1\linex0\headery1440\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid11813977\sftnbj {\headerr \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx9360\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11813977 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs20\insrsid12285377 Hart v. Hart}{\fs20\insrsid12285377 , Opinion }{\b\fs20\insrsid12285377 \tab }{\fs20\insrsid12285377 \tab Page \chpgn of }{\field{\*\fldinst {\fs20\insrsid12285377 NUMPAGES \\* ARABIC }}{\fldrslt {\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3676258 21}}}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\fs20\insrsid12285377 \par \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw10\brsp20 \tx0\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\rtlgutter\itap0\pararsid11813977 {\fs20\insrsid12285377\charrsid11813977 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 MICHAEL C. HART, \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 Plaintiff-Appellant, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 v. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 LYNN E. HART,}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 Defendant-Appellee.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 Supreme Court Case No. CVA07-009 \par Superior Court Case No. DM0332-98}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7750534\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11813977\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7750534\charrsid11951072 OPINION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7155190\charrsid4528089 Filed:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072\charrsid4528089 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7155190\charrsid4528089 July 28, 2008 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3688747\charrsid4528089 Cite as: 2008 Guam }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2377560\charrsid4528089 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid4528089 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam \par Argued and submitted on }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3674015\charrsid11951072 February 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 , 2008 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblind0\tblindtype3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4788\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4788\clshdrawnil \cellx9468\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 Appearing for Plaintiff-Appellant: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749836\charrsid11951072 Seaton M. Woodley, III}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 , Esq.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749836\charrsid11951072 Attorney at Law}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749836\charrsid11951072 Ste. 102, Tanaka Bldg., Rte. #4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749836\charrsid11951072 Hag\'e5t\'f1a, GU 96910}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \cell }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749836\charrsid11951072 Appearing for Defendant}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 -Appellee: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749836\charrsid11951072 William D. Pesch}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 , Esq.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749836\charrsid11951072 Agana Legal Clinic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749836\charrsid11951072 173 Aspinall Ave., Ste. 203}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, GU 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblind0\tblindtype3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4788\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4788\clshdrawnil \cellx9468\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3688747\charrsid11951072 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 BEFORE: ROBERT J. TORRES, JR., Chief Justice;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3688747\charrsid11951072 F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991616\charrsid11951072 Associate Justice;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12704\charrsid11951072 ALEXANDRO }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11813977\charrsid11951072 C}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12704\charrsid11951072 . CASTRO, Justice }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12704\charrsid11951072 Pro Tempore}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12704\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3107056\charrsid11951072 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11813977\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3439983\charrsid11951072 CARBULLIDO, }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3105248\charrsid11951072 J.: \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12704\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11813977\charrsid11951072 [1]}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15605618\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15605618\charrsid11951072 Plaintiff-Appellant Michael C. Hart (hereinafter \'93Michael\'94), appeals the Superior Court\rquote s grant of his }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 motion which}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 quested the court to clarify his}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 Final Judgment of Divorce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 This Final Decree}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 of Divorce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 granted Michael a divorce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 from Defendant-Appellee Lynn E. Hart (hereinafter \'93Lynn\'94)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 and contained an ambiguous provision that divided Michael\rquote s military retirement pay}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 For the following reasons, we affirm}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 in part and reverse in part}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15939244\charrsid11951072 judgment of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 Superior Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 and remand this matter for further proceedings consistent with this opinion}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15605618 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319\charrsid11951072 I}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 .}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2122720\charrsid11951072 FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL B}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 ACKGROUND}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15488319 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 [2]}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13856815\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3936451\charrsid11951072 On July 24, 1998, a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13856815\charrsid11951072 Final}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3936451\charrsid11951072 Judgment of Divorce was granted to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15605618\charrsid11951072 Michael }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13856815\charrsid11951072 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3936451\charrsid11951072 ivorcing }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879726\charrsid11951072 him from }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3936451\charrsid11951072 Lynn.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3936451\charrsid11951072 T}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13856815\charrsid11951072 he N}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3936451\charrsid11951072 otice of Entry on the Docket for this final judgment was}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13856815\charrsid11951072 provided on July 29, 199}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 8.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3936451\charrsid11951072 The Final Judgment of Divorce incorporated the terms o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7036729\charrsid11951072 f}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3936451\charrsid11951072 the default Interlocutory Judgment of Divorce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15151875\charrsid11951072 , which}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7036729\charrsid11951072 was also }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4988997\charrsid11951072 granted }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7036729\charrsid11951072 on July 24, 1998.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 [3]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5048135\charrsid11951072 \tab Both parties agree on the following}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6059431\charrsid11951072 relevant facts}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5048135\charrsid11951072 : (1) Michael and Lynn were married on December 5, 1977}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128395\charrsid11951072 ; (2) Michael filed for d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13853366\charrsid11951072 ivorce on Guam while he was stationed here with the Air Force}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13853366\charrsid11951072 (3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5048135\charrsid11951072 ) Michael\rquote s promotion from Lieutenant Colonel (0-5) to Colonel (0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879726\charrsid11951072 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5048135\charrsid11951072 6) occurred after the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 parties\rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268654\charrsid11951072 separation and the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128395\charrsid11951072 entry of the Final Judgment of Divorce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16195326\charrsid11951072 ; }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13853366\charrsid11951072 (4) }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9635102\charrsid11951072 Michael served}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13853366\charrsid11951072 in the Air Force}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268654\charrsid11951072 for additional years after the se}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128395\charrsid11951072 paration and divorce, retiring in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268654\charrsid11951072 J}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 anuary 2007}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2245857\charrsid11951072 ; }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1704713\charrsid11951072 a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13853366\charrsid11951072 nd (5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1704713\charrsid11951072 ) Michael retired}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9635102\charrsid11951072 with 30 years of creditable service towards retirement pay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6059431 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 [4]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14501962\charrsid11951072 On November 1, 2006, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13637801\charrsid11951072 Michael filed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5182705\charrsid11951072 with the Superior Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13637801\charrsid11951072 a }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5182705\charrsid11951072 \'93Motion for Clarific}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14501962\charrsid11951072 ation Order\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 requesting the court clarify the provision in the Final Decree that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13402097\charrsid11951072 provided Lynn with an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13402097\charrsid11951072 interest in Michael\rquote s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 military retirement pay.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 Appellant\rquote s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 Excerpts of Record (\'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 ER}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 \'94)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 , tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 E}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11360300\charrsid11951072 Mot. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 for Clarification Order at 1).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14501962\charrsid11951072 The provision covered by the motion states that \'93[w]ife shall receive 50% of 20 years interest in husband\rquote s U.S. Air Force retirement pension.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14501962\charrsid11951072 A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid343674\charrsid11951072 ppellant\rquote s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14501962\charrsid11951072 ER, tab B (Interlocuto}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872625\charrsid11951072 ry J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11360300\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872625\charrsid11951072 of Divorce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14501962\charrsid11951072 at 2).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14501962 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 [5]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13637801\charrsid11951072 T}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid534035\charrsid11951072 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7173163\charrsid11951072 e Superior Court\rquote s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid534035\charrsid11951072 Decision and Order of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 June 28, 2007 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872625\charrsid11951072 granted Michael\rquote s}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 motion}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872625\charrsid11951072 for clarification order}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 and determined that the Final Judgment of Divorce provided Lynn }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7291317\charrsid11951072 a community property interest in Michael\rquote s retirement pay a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16452790\charrsid11951072 s increased by his post-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128395\charrsid11951072 separation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7291317\charrsid11951072 promotion and additional years of service.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7173163\charrsid11951072 The Superior Court also determined that the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3439983\charrsid11951072 community }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7173163\charrsid11951072 interest in Michael}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3439983\charrsid11951072 \rquote s retirement equated to \'9320.33}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7173163\charrsid11951072 \'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3439983\charrsid11951072 years.}{ \cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562968\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Without explanation, the Superior Court used \'9320.33\'94 as the \'93years of service during marriage before separation\'94 in the numerator of its apportionment equation.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Appellant\rquote s ER, tab J (Decision and Order for Mot. for Clarification Order at 5).}{ \fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 The 1998 Interlocutory Decree incorporated into the Final Decree was based on 20 years interest in husband\rquote s retirement pension. \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7173163\charrsid11951072 Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6902805\charrsid11951072 \rquote s ER, tab J (Decision and Order at 5).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 Decision and Order was entered o}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3439983\charrsid11951072 n the docket, and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 M}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3439983\charrsid11951072 ichael timely filed this appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12779969\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16188854\charrsid11951072 Neither party contested }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6182101\charrsid11951072 the Superior Court\rquote s j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid327742\charrsid11951072 urisdiction over}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6182101\charrsid11951072 the motion for clarification.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8616452\charrsid11951072 We ordered further briefing to allow the parties to address the Superior Court\rquote s jurisdiction over the motion.}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3439983\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 The Final Judgment of Divorce was entered on July 29, 1998, and the question arose as to whether the Superior Court had jurisdiction to modify a final decree of divorce many years after the time for appealing the final decree had expired.}{ \fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3810187 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528089 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13388385\charrsid11951072 II}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7538528\charrsid11951072 .}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 JURISDICTION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 [6]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 The Final J}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15742709\charrsid11951072 udgment of Divorce }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 was signed on July 24, 1998 , and the Notice of Entry on the Docket was provided on July 29, 1998.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Under the former Guam Rules of Appellate Procedure}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9330140\charrsid11951072 (\'93GRAP\'94)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9727661\charrsid11951072 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14094380\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5197485\charrsid11951072 which were applicable in 1998}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5197485\charrsid11951072 the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7538528\charrsid11951072 thirty-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5197485\charrsid11951072 day }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 time }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5197485\charrsid11951072 period }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 for appealing a final judgment began to run after the entry of the Notice of Entry on the Docket.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 SEQ CHAPTER \\h \\r 1}}{\fldrslt }}\sectd \psz1\linex0\headery1440\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid11813977\sftnbj {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10759632\charrsid11951072 Sky Enter.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 v. Kobayashi, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 2002 Guam 24 \'b6 17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9330140\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5197485\charrsid11951072 Neither an extension of time nor a notice of appeal was filed regarding the Final Judgment of Divorce}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14094380\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14094380\charrsid11951072 T}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 herefore, the time for appealing the Final Judgment of Divorce expired in August of 1998}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14094380\charrsid11951072 , }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5197485\charrsid11951072 and the judgment became a final judgment not subject to appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 See}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Former Guam R. App. P. 4}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7538528\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 [7]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8719223\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 After a final decree of divorce becomes final, a trial court may not modify the decree}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3963875\charrsid11951072 regarding }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 property}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3963875\charrsid11951072 matters}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7538528\charrsid11951072 Puckett v. Puckett}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7538528\charrsid11951072 , 136 P.2d 1, 5 (Cal. 1943); }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7538528\charrsid11951072 Dupont v. Dupont}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7538528\charrsid11951072 , 48 P.2d 677, 677 (Cal. 1935); }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7763557\charrsid11951072 Mueller v. Walker, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7763557\charrsid11951072 213 Cal. Rptr. 442}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148765\charrsid11951072 , 444}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7763557\charrsid11951072 (Ct. App. 1985);}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7763557\charrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 see Moore v. Moore,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 456 P.2d 403, 405 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1969).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 The Superio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16069654\charrsid11951072 r Court and the parties did}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16139888\charrsid11951072 not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 explain under what rule or jurisdictional theory the Superior Court acted in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 interpreting the Final Decree}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090064\charrsid11951072 The jurisdictional issue presented in this case is the Superior Court\rquote s jurisdiction to interpret the Final Decree\rquote s statement regarding Lynn\rquote s community property interest in Michael\rquote s military retirement pay.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090064\charrsid11951072 \'93Jurisdictional issues may be raised by any party at any time or }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090064\charrsid11951072 sua sponte}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090064\charrsid11951072 by the court.\'94 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090064\charrsid11951072 Rojas v. Rojas}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090064\charrsid11951072 , 2007 Guam 13 \'b6 5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090064 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [8]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Michael styled his motion as a \'93Motion for Clarification Order,\'94 Appellant\rquote s ER, tab E (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11360300\charrsid11951072 Mot. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 for Clarification Order at 1), but he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 does not cite to any Guam Rule}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 of Civil Procedure}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 that would allow this motion}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14953823\charrsid11951072 or explain how the S uperior Court had jurisdiction to enter the order}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 In his one senten}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16139888\charrsid11951072 ce statement of jurisdiction }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1650355\charrsid11951072 provided in the }{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Opening Brief}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16139888\charrsid11951072 for this appeal}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 , Michael makes no argument for the Superior Court\rquote s jurisdiction to rule on the motion.}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14691425\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{ \fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 GRAP Rule 13 requires that \'93[t]he appellant\rquote s brief must contain . . . a jurisdictional statement, including . . . the basis of the Superior Court\rquote s subject matter jurisdiction, with citations to applicable statutory provisions and stating relevant facts establishing jurisdiction.\'94}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 GRAP 13(a)(4)(A) (2007).}{ \fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1650355 \par }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\cs20\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [9]}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10634042\charrsid11951072 T}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Superior Court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 state}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9248563\charrsid11951072 d}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10634042\charrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8540285\charrsid11951072 in }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10634042\charrsid11951072 granting the motion}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 that \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 [a]s the Final Judgment did not clearly specify the manner in which Defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 s share of the pension benefits would be determined and at what point in time such share is to be distributed, Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 s motion for clarification is appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 See }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 Chavez v. Chavez}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 , }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 909 P.2d 314, 315 (Ct.}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11360300\charrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 App.}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11360300\charrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 Div.1996).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 \'94}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Appellant\rquote s ER, tab J (Decision and Order a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1650355\charrsid11951072 t 2).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1650355\charrsid11951072 This is the only explanation provided by}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 the Sup}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1650355\charrsid11951072 erior Court for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 its jurisdi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 ction}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13905821\charrsid11951072 to enter an order }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14691425\charrsid11951072 \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13905821\charrsid11951072 clarifying}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14691425\charrsid11951072 \'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13905821\charrsid11951072 a final judgment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8540285\charrsid11951072 However brief}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10634042\charrsid11951072 , there is}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 merit to the Superior Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13905821\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 s assertion.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [10]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 The Court of Appeals of Washington}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11997013\charrsid11951072 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14436361\charrsid11951072 the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Chavez}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14436361\charrsid11951072 case relied upon by the Superior Court}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16720305\charrsid11951072 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14436361\charrsid11951072 stated }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 that \'93[i]f a }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 [divorce] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 decree is ambiguous, it may be subject to a declaratory action to determine the parties}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 rights and liabilities. The decree}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14384995\charrsid11951072 in this case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 is clearly ambiguous because it does not specify how, and at what point in time, [husband\rquote s military] pension is to be divi}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 ded in half.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 Chavez v. Chavez}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 , }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4606778\charrsid11951072 909 P.2d 314, 315 (Wash. Ct. App. 1996)}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3020596\charrsid11951072 ; }{\cs20\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3020596\charrsid11951072 see also In re Marriage of Jennings}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8993104\charrsid11951072 , 980 P.2d 1248, 1255 (Wash. 1999) (stating that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8993104\charrsid11951072 when a divorce decree is ambiguous it can be subject to a declaratory action to ascertain the rights and duties of the parties).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 The use}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6050273\charrsid11951072 by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5662791\charrsid11951072 Washington State courts }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6050273\charrsid11951072 of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 declaratory judgment action to interpret a final divorce decree was}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12205325\charrsid11951072 explained}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 in }{\cs21\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid400203\charrsid11951072 In}{ \cs21\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 re Marriage of Mudgett,}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 704 P.2d 169, 172 (Wash. Ct. App. 1985).}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 The }{\cs20\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Mudgett}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12205325\charrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 court stated:}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184 \par }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528089\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 The precise issue of whether a party to a dissolution may later bring an action for declaratory judgment to interpret the dissolution decree or any contract merged therein has not been decided by courts in Washington.{\*\bkmkstart FN1} {\*\bkmkstart F00211985139856}{\*\bkmkend FN1}{\*\bkmkend F00211985139856} However, courts in other jurisdictions have decided this issue. In Georgia, the court has held that \'93[a] declaratory judgment is an appropriate means of ascertaining one}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 s rights and duties under a contract and decree of divorce.\'94 While the general rule is t hat such a proceeding is an inappropriate way to question a final judgment or decree that is clear and unambiguous, where language of a decree is ambiguous, construction of the effect of this language is a proper subject of a declaratory judgment action. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10882769 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 Id.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 (footnote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid400203\charrsid11951072 and citation }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184\charrsid11951072 omitted)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid400203\charrsid11951072 (quoting }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid400203\charrsid11951072 Bache v. Bache,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid400203\charrsid11951072 239 S.E.2d 677, 678 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14384995\charrsid11951072 Ga. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid400203\charrsid11951072 1977).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6319184 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10882769\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [11]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 While Wash ington State courts have adopted declaratory judgments as a method for trial courts to clarify ambiguous divorce decrees, including decrees that contain ambiguous provisions regarding military retirement pay, t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid282497\charrsid11951072 his c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 ourt has not passed on the issue.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 However, requiring an interested party to request declaratory relief to interpret an ambiguous divorce decree is appropriate, and we adopt this method.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Our adoption}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9374008\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 is supported by three parallels between Washington and Guam law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9374008 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10882769\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\pnrdate-2033804394\pnrnot1\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [12]}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 First, Washington and Guam use the community property method to divide property on divorce.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Wash}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Rev}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Code Ann}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 \'a7 26.09.080}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 (West 2008)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 ; 19 GCA \'a7 8411}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2062118\charrsid11951072 (2005)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Second, courts in Washington adopted the use of declaratory judgment actions regarding ambiguous divorce decrees into a ru les of civil procedure based system that, like }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9727661\charrsid11951072 our system}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 , is based on a framework of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Compare }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9638894\charrsid11951072 Wash.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Superior Court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5842563\charrsid11951072 Civ. R.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 , }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Guam}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4675603\charrsid11951072 R. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Civ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4675603\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4675603\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 , }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 with }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Fed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4675603\charrsid11951072 . R.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Civ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4675603\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 P.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Third, like the Washington trial courts, the Superior Courts of Guam are empowered to provide declaratory relief.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 Chavez}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 , 909 P.2d at 315;}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 7 GCA \'a7 26801}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 (2005)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 .}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1 \widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Title 7 GCA \'a7 26801 states: \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid3226092 {\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Any person interested under a deed, will, or other written instrument, or under a contract, or who desires a declaration of his rights or duties with respect to another, or in respect to, in, over, or upon property, or with respect to the location of the natural channel of a water course, may, in cases of actual controversy relating to the legal rights and du t ies of the respective parties, bring an action in the court having jurisdiction for a declaration of his rights and duties in the premises, including a determination of any question of construction or validity arising under such instrument or contract. He may ask for a declaration of rights or duties, either alone or with other relief; and the court may make a binding declaration of such rights or duties, whether or not further relief is or could be claimed at the time. The declaration may be either affirm ative or negative in form and effect, and such declaration shall have the force of a final judgment. Such declaration may be had before there has been any breach of the obligation in respect to which said declaration is sought. \par \par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 7 GCA \'a7 26801 (2005). \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10882769\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [13]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Our adoption of the declaratory judgment method for interpreting ambiguous divorce decrees is further supported by the fact that California courts interpreting a declaratory judgment statute that is nearly identical to 7 GCA \'a7 26801 determined that de claratory relief was available regarding divorce decrees.}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Title 7 GCA \'a7 26801 originated from Guam Code of Civil Procedure \'a7 1060.}{ \fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 7 GCA \'a7 26801, Source.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Section 1060 of the Guam Code of Civil Procedure originated in California Code of Civil Procedure \'a7 1060.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Guam Code Civ. Proc. \'a7 1060, Foreword (1953).}{ \fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Title 7 GCA \'a7 26801 is identical to the original California section 1060, which was adopted as Guam\rquote s section 1060.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{ \i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Compare Blakeslee v. Wilson}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 , 213 P. 495, 496 (Cal. 1923) (quoting original California Code of Civil Procedure \'a7 1060), }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 with}{ \fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 7 GCA \'a7 26801; GCCP \'a7 1060.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 California section 1060 continues to be the law in California though it has been subject to minor changes starting in 1965.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 See }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Cal. Civ. Pro. Code \'a7 1060 (West 2007).}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Putnam v. Putnam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 , 125 P.2d 525, 526-27 (Cal.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5842563\charrsid11951072 Dist. Ct. App.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 1942) (explaining that declaratory relief under California Code of Civil Procedure \'a7 1060 was available to determine rights of parties under a separation agreement that was incorporated into the decree of divorce).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Cases interpreting the California statute that was the source of our code section are persuasive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 See Cruz v. Cruz}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 , 2005 Guam 3 \'b6 9.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10882769\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [14]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Because Washington State and Guam share the community property method of dividing property on divorce, have similar rules of civil procedure, and provide the declaratory judgment power to the trial court, our adoption of the declaratory judgment method to interpret ambiguous divorce decrees is appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 Furthermore, this determination is supported by the use of a nearly identical statute in California to declare rights under decrees of divorce.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 We, therefore, adopt the declaratory judgment method to interpret ambiguous divorce decrees and find that the Superior Court had jurisdiction under 7 GCA \'a7 26801 to interpret the ambiguous }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947176\charrsid11951072 military retirement }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565\charrsid11951072 provision of the Final Decree of Divorce in this case.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6171565 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10882769\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [15]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5915529\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9374008\charrsid11951072 \tab }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5915529\charrsid11951072 The Superior Court did not rely on 7 GCA \'a7 26801 when it clarified the final judgment of divorce, and Michael did not cite to this law in his motion.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5915529\charrsid11951072 However, this }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid282497\charrsid11951072 c}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5915529\charrsid11951072 ourt }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11827836\charrsid11951072 \'93may {\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b892}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b892}affirm the judgment of a lower court on {\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b900}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b900} any ground supported by the record.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10184008\charrsid11951072 Ceasar v. QBE Ins. (Int\rquote l), Ltd. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10184008\charrsid11951072 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10184008\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11827836\charrsid11951072 2001 Guam 6 \'b6 8; }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11827836\charrsid11951072 see also}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11827836\charrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15104873\charrsid11951072 Perfect 10, Inc. v. Visa Int }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15104873\charrsid11951072 l Serv. Ass}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15104873\charrsid11951072 n,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15104873\charrsid11951072 494 F.3d 788, 794 (9th Cir.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16397832\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15104873\charrsid11951072 2007) (\'93The court may .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15104873\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15104873\charrsid11951072 .{\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b10098}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b10098} affirm on{\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b10100}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b10100} any ground supported by the record even if the district court did not consider the issue.\'94); }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5915529\charrsid11951072 Charley}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5915529\charrsid11951072 s Taxi Radio Dispatch Corp. v. SIDA of Hawaii, Inc.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5915529\charrsid11951072 , 810 F.2d 869, 874 (9th Cir. 1987)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11827836\charrsid11951072 (\'93We may affirm the [trial court] on any ground supported by the record, even if the ground is not relied on by the [trial court].\'94)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15104873\charrsid11951072 .}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947176\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 In the interest of judicial economy, we will treat the Motion for Clarification Order as an action for declaratory judgment made pursuant to 7 GCA \'a7 26801.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Cf. Young v. Young}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 , 723 P.2d 12, 13 n.1 (Wash. Ct. App. 1986).}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 However, in the future, a party, in order to avoid dismissal for lack of jurisdiction, should request clarification of an ambiguous divorce decree}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 by clearly f iling an action for declaratory judgment under 7 GCA \'a7 26801.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 }{\b\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5915529 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10882769\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [16]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 With the Superior Court\rquote s j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1647719\charrsid11951072 urisdiction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5581484\charrsid11951072 to interpret the ambiguous divorce decree}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1647719\charrsid11951072 established, we now}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1451823\charrsid11951072 examine }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1507639\charrsid11951072 the court \rquote s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1580825\charrsid11951072 jurisdiction to divide }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid862168\charrsid11951072 military }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1580825\charrsid11951072 retirement benefits }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355086\charrsid11951072 in a divorce under }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 19 GCA \'a7 8411.}{ \cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Title 19 GCA \'a7 8411 states in relevant part that \'93 [i]n case of the dissolution of marriage by decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, the community property . . . shall be equally divided between the parties.\'94}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 19 GCA \'a7 8411(b) (2005).}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 In 1982, Congress enacted the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (\'93USFSPA\'94) in order to allow state court \rquote s to divide military retirement benefits on divorce.}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Title 10 U.S.C. \'a7 1408(a) defines court as \'93 any court of competent jurisdiction of any State . . . [and] Guam.\'94 10 U.S.C.A. \'a7 1408(a)(1)(A). \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1119128\charrsid11951072 10 U.S.C.A. \'a7 1408 (Westlaw through P.L. 110-247 (excluding P.L. 110-234 and 110-246) approved June 20, 2008}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 ).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 The legislation was in response to the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12004272\charrsid11951072 United States }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 Supreme Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12004272\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 s ruling in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 McCarty v. McCart}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12004272\charrsid11951072 y}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 , 453 U.S. 210 (1981).}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 }{ \fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 2 Brett R. Turner, }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Equitable Distribution of Property}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \'a7 6:3 at 13-14 (3d ed. 2005) (\'93 If ever an Act of Congress has directly overruled a Supreme Court decision, }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 McCarty}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 is the decision and the USFSPA is the Act.\'94). \par }}}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16340441\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Smith}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16340441\charrsid11951072 , 56 Cal. Rptr. 3d 341,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10184008\charrsid11951072 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2111599\charrsid11951072 44 (Ct. App. 2007).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 In }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 McCarty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 , the Court determined that federal law preempted state courts from granting a community property interest in military retirement benefits.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 453 U.S.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 at 234-36.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 Title 10 U.S.C.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 \'a7 1408 states that \'93 a court may treat disposable retired pay payable to a member for pay periods beginning after June 25, 1981, either as property solely of the member or as property of the member and his spouse in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction of such court. \'94}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 June 25, 1981 is }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 the day prior to the Supreme Court\rquote s ruling in }{ \i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 McCarty}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 .}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 453 U.S. at 210. \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8938418\charrsid11951072 0 U.S.C.A. \'a7 1408(c)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14047097 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [17]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid725306\charrsid11951072 Due to }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976333\charrsid11951072 10 U.S.C. \'a7 1408}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid725306\charrsid11951072 (c), }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 the Superior Court}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid862168\charrsid11951072 s of Guam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid862168\charrsid11951072 ve}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2111599\charrsid11951072 jurisdiction to treat}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184\charrsid11951072 military retirement pay in accordance with Guam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 \rquote s community}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10831115\charrsid11951072 property laws}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976333\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976333\charrsid11951072 Furthermore, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid725306\charrsid11951072 the Superior Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14638478\charrsid11951072 s have jurisdiction to divide}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid725306\charrsid11951072 community property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13512254\charrsid11951072 upon the dissolution of marriage}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid725306\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13512254\charrsid11951072 48 U.S.C.A. 1424-1(d)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14047097\charrsid11951072 (Westlaw through }{\cs24\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8938418\charrsid11951072 P.L. 110-247}{\cs24\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7216728\charrsid11951072 (excluding P.L. 110-234}{\cs24\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8938418\charrsid11951072 and 110-246}{\cs24\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7216728\charrsid11951072 ) approved June }{ \cs24\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8938418\charrsid11951072 20}{\cs24\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7216728\charrsid11951072 , 2008)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13512254\charrsid11951072 ; }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14047097\charrsid11951072 7 GCA \'a7\'a7 3105 and 4101 (2005);}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13512254\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9535082\charrsid11951072 19 GCA \'a7 8411.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13512254\charrsid11951072 Therefore, the Superior Court had jurisdiction in this matter.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976333 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\pnrdate-2033804363\pnrnot1\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 [18]}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8398276\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10831115\charrsid11951072 We have}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 jurisd}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11763252\charrsid11951072 iction }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 over }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10831115\charrsid11951072 this}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11763252\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 final dec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11763252\charrsid11951072 laratory }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11763252\charrsid11951072 udg}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 ment}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976333\charrsid11951072 rendered by the Superior Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13119684\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11763252\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976333\charrsid11951072 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1424-1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14047097\charrsid11951072 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976333\charrsid11951072 (2)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14638478\charrsid11951072 ; }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11763252\charrsid11951072 7 GCA \'a7\'a7 3107}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 and 3108(a)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8938418\charrsid11951072 (2005)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10097320\charrsid11951072 .}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10831115\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Due to Rule 58(b)(2)(B), Rule 58\rquote s requirement of a separate document is satisfied by the Decision and Order in this case.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Guam R. Civ. P. 58(b)(2)(B) (2007). \par }{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16449955 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 III}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7503228\charrsid11951072 .}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 STANDARD OF REVIEW}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [19]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16395768\charrsid11951072 In its D}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 ecision and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16395768\charrsid11951072 O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 rder, t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9790212\charrsid11951072 he Super}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 ior Court made three }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13990603\charrsid11951072 determinations}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8932049\charrsid11951072 that are }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 implicated in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 this appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 The court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13990603\charrsid11951072 first}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 provided a declaratory judgment regarding its}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13990603\charrsid11951072 construction of the ambiguous Final D}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 ecree of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13990603\charrsid11951072 D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 ivorce}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 The court }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8130499\charrsid11951072 then}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8476714\charrsid11951072 characterized }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5725735\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s military retirement pay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 , including the increase in pay due to the post-separation additional years of service and promotion, as containing a }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4879143\charrsid11951072 community property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 interest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 Finally, the court used}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3803378\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 an apportionment method}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9790212\charrsid11951072 to divide mixed property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8130499\charrsid11951072 We }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1451823\charrsid11951072 will review and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 discuss separately}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1451823\charrsid11951072 the court\rquote s construction of the Final Decree of Divorce, its characterization of the property interest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13990603\charrsid11951072 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid862168\charrsid11951072 } {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1451823\charrsid11951072 and the apportionment method utilized}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid862168\charrsid11951072 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 including in each separate discussion the relevant standard of review.}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854819\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Both parties abandoned any pretense of articulating in their briefs what standard of review applied to the community property issues in this case.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 GRAP Rule 13 states that \'93appellant\rquote s brief must contain . . . for each issue, a concise statement of the applicable standard of review . . . .\'94}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 GRAP 13(a)(9)(B).}{ \fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Furthermore, if \'93the appellee is dissatisfied with the appellant\rquote s statement . . . of the standard of review,\'94 the appellee should explain why appellant\rquote s statement is ineffective.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 GRAP 13(b)(5).}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Providing a list of possible standards for the court to choose from and apply itself does not comply with Rule 13.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15144669\charrsid11951072 Our analysis starts with declaratory judgment and ends with apportionment}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11302552\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9772184 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16449955 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 I}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5725735\charrsid11951072 V}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7503228\charrsid11951072 .}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 DISCUSSION}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5725735 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 A. Declaratory Judgment}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [20]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12153091\charrsid11951072 When a Superior Court confronts a decla}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9851082\charrsid11951072 ratory judgment action involving}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12153091\charrsid11951072 a possibly ambiguous divorce decree, the court\rquote s first step is to determine whether the final decree is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13916708\charrsid11951072 actually }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12153091\charrsid11951072 ambiguo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15794841\charrsid11951072 us.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15794841\charrsid11951072 See }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13449471\charrsid11951072 Byrne v. Ackerlund}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1840991\charrsid11951072 , 739 P.2d 1138, 1142-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13449471\charrsid11951072 43 (Wash. 1987); }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15794841\charrsid11951072 Chavez}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15794841\charrsid11951072 , }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15546484\charrsid11951072 909 P.2d at 315}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15794841\charrsid11951072 .}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13449471\charrsid11951072 If the language of the divorce decree is not ambiguous, a declaratory judgment action is not proper.}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13449471\charrsid11951072 Byrne}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13449471\charrsid11951072 , 739 P.2d at 1142.}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 As }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15076493\charrsid11951072 with other written instruments}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13916708\charrsid11951072 the court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 begin}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13916708\charrsid11951072 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 by looking at the plain meaning of the decree in order to }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16333082\charrsid11951072 determine whether ambiguity exists.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 See Wasson v. Berg}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 , 2007 Guam 16 \'b6 10 (\'93[T]he intent of the parties to a contract is generally, and whenever possible, restricted by the plain meaning of the contract terms.\'94); }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 People v. Lau,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 2007 Guam 4 \'b6 14 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15076493\charrsid11951072 \'93 The inquiry into whether a statute is ambiguous begins with looking at the plain meaning of the language in question, and, when looking at the language, the court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15076493\charrsid11951072 s task is to determine if the language is plain and unambiguous.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7239738\charrsid11951072 ).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 \'93\lquote Where a judgment is ambiguous, a reviewing court seeks to }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 ascertain the intention}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 of the court entering the original decree by using general rules of construction applicable to statutes, contracts and other writings.\rquote \'94}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 }{ \i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 See also }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 46 Am. Jur. 2d }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Judgments}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \'a7 74 (West 2007) (\'93 As a general rule, judgments are to be construed like other written instruments,{\*\bkmkstart Document1zzFN_BId812764a990f11}{\*\bkmkend Document1zzFN_BId812764a990f11} and the legal effect of a judgment must be declared in light of the literal meaning of the language used.}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 {\*\bkmkstart Document1zzFN_BId812764b990f11}{\*\bkmkend Document1zzFN_BId812764b990f11} }{ \fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 The unambiguous terms of a judgment, like the terms in a written contract, are to be given their usual and ordinary meaning.}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{ \fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 The determinative factor in interpreting a judgment is the intention of the court,{\*\bkmkstart Document1zzFN_BId812764d990f11}{\*\bkmkend Document1zzFN_BId812764d990f11} as gathered, not from an isolated part thereof but from all parts of the judgment itself.\'94) (footnotes omitted).}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14955972\charrsid11951072 Chavez}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14955972\charrsid11951072 ,}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14955972\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 909 P.2d at 315-16 (quoting }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Sager}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 , 863 P.2d 106, 110 (Wash. Ct. App. 1993)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6377447\charrsid11951072 )}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 ; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 see }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16341598\charrsid11951072 also }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Smith}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003988\charrsid11951072 , 56 Cal. Rptr. 3d at 344.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [21]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 \'93 Construction of a decree is a question of law.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8664861\charrsid11951072 Chavez}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8664861\charrsid11951072 , }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8664861\charrsid11951072 909 P.2d at 315}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 We review questions of law }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 de novo}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 Lamb v. Hoffman}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 , 2008 Guam 2 \'b6 11; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 see also}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6377447\charrsid11951072 Chavez}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6377447\charrsid11951072 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6377447\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 909 P.2d at 315 (\'93[A question of law] is reviewed de novo.\'94); }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 cf Leon Guerrero v. Moylan}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 , 2000 Guam 28 \'b6 8 (\'93A divorce decree incorporating a settlement agreement is simply a consent decree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 Decisions interpreting a consent decree and the agreements underlying them are reviewed }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 de novo.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 \'94).}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 In }{ \i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Leon Guerrero v. Moylan}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 , this court dealt with a settlement agreement that was incorporated into a divorce decree.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{ \i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Leon Guerrero}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 , 2000 Guam 28 \'b6 8.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 We }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 used rules of construction for contracts to interpret the consent decree according to the parties\rquote intent.}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Id. }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \'b6 16. \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1074477 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [22]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 The plain meaning of the portion of the Decree that covers Michael\rquote s retirement pay unambiguously provided Lynn with onl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5191708\charrsid11951072 y }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12349097\charrsid11951072 twenty }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5191708\charrsid11951072 years of interest in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 pay.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 I}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 n its declaratory judgment, t}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 he Superior Court}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 erred in}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 altering this }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 unambiguous part of the provision of the Final Decree that divided Michael\rquote s retirement pay}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 .}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 The original Final Decree provided Lynn with half of \'9320 years interes}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2129004\charrsid11951072 t\'94 in the}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 retirement pay.}{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 Appellant\rquote s ER, tab B (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11360300\charrsid11951072 Interlocutory J.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 of Divorce at 2).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 However, t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 he Superior Court used \'9320.33\'94 years of interest in its apportionment equation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 Appellant\rquote s ER, tab J (Decision and Order at 5).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 his}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 change in the plain meaning of the Decree}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 was an alteration}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3157076\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 A final decree of divorce \'93is not subject to modification through a declaratory action.\'94}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 Byrne}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 , 739 P.2d }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14955972\charrsid11951072 at 1144}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 Therefore, we find this portion of the Superior Court\rquote s judgment is in error, and on remand, the court is directed to use the appropriate \'9320\'94 years of interest and not \'93 20.33.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [23]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 Though the portion of the Decree covering retirement pay }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2129004\charrsid11951072 is unambiguous regarding the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 comm}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2129004\charrsid11951072 unity\rquote s years of interest in Michael\rquote s military}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2129004\charrsid11951072 retirement }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 pay, t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16276903\charrsid11951072 he}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 remainder of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2129004\charrsid11951072 the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid613955\charrsid11951072 provision }{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10962013\charrsid11951072 is ambiguous}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4026674\charrsid11951072 , because \'93it does not specify how, and at what point in time [Michael\rquote s] pension is to be divided in half.\'94}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12004272\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 The ambiguity in the Final Decree in this case is doubly problematic, because the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (\'93DFAS\'94) cannot determine from the ambiguous terms covering Michael\rquote s military retirement pay what portion to directly pay Lynn.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 See }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Defense Finance and Accounting Service Garnishment Operations, Uniformed Services Former Spouses\rquote Protection Act, Dividing Military Retired Pay at 3-7 (Aug. 7, 2007), }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 available at } {\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 HYPERLINK "http://www.dfas.mil/garnishment/military/speech8.pdf" }{\fs24\insrsid3874818\charrsid16449955 {\*\datafield 00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b02000000170000003500000068007400740070003a002f002f007700770077002e0064006600610073002e006d0069006c002f006700610072006e006900730068006d0065006e0074002f006d0069006c00690074006100720079002f0073007000650065006300680038002e00 7000640066000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b6a00000068007400740070003a002f002f007700770077002e0064006600610073002e006d0069006c002f006700610072006e006900730068006d0065006e0074002f006d0069006c00690074006100720079002f0073007000650065006300680038002e0070 006400660000000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs23\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 http://www.dfas.mil/garnishment/military/speech8.pdf}}}\sectd \psz1\linex0\headery1440\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid11813977\sftnbj {\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 (providing an explanation of the USFSPA and how a final decree should be drafted in order to allow for payment by DFAS under the USFSPA). \par }}}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5508913\charrsid11951072 Chavez}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5508913\charrsid11951072 ,}{ \cs20\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5508913\charrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4026674\charrsid11951072 909 P.2d at 315.}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4026674\charrsid11951072 Therefore, the Superior Court properly determined that the }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13916708\charrsid11951072 ambiguous }{ \cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4026674\charrsid11951072 decree was }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6165561\charrsid11951072 subject to a}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4026674\charrsid11951072 declaratory judgment action}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6165561\charrsid11951072 regarding the provision covering Michael\rquote s military retirement pay}{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4026674\charrsid11951072 . }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2111599 \par }{\cs20\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12388498 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 B. Characterization}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid542445 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16449955 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [24]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1196915\charrsid11951072 Characterization is generally the first }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938168\charrsid11951072 step in the process of dividing }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1196915\charrsid11951072 property on divorce.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1196915\charrsid11951072 See}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1595630\charrsid11951072 Sattler v. Mathis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1595630\charrsid11951072 , 2006 MP 6, 2006 WL 897140, at *5;}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1196915\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1196915\charrsid11951072 19 GCA \'a7 8411 (providing jurisdiction for cour}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14961091\charrsid11951072 t to divide community property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6697430\charrsid11951072 only}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14961091\charrsid11951072 )}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2563755\charrsid11951072 ; 19 GCA \'a7 6101 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8938418\charrsid11951072 (2005) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2563755\charrsid11951072 (defining community and separate property)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14961091\charrsid11951072 .}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14961091\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 }{ \i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 See also }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 33 Cal. Jur. 3d }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Family Law}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \'a7 754 (\'93 Because the court generally has jurisdiction to divide only the community estate, consisting of the community and quasi-community assets and liabilities, it must first characterize the property by determining the nature of the property of the parties for each item of property the parties cannot agree to divide themselves.\'94).}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6253525\charrsid11951072 Characterization of property in a marital dissolution action is the determination by the trial court of what property owned by the parties is separate or community property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6253525\charrsid11951072 See In re Marriage of Lehman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6253525\charrsid11951072 , 955 P.2d 451, 459 (Cal. 1998).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 A trial court\rquote s characterization of property as community or separate is reviewed }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 de novo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 Sattler}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 , 2006 WL 897140, at *5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2955114\charrsid11951072 ; }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Chumble}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid921818\charrsid11951072 y}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 ,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 74 P.3d 129, 131 (Wash. 2003); }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2501659\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14955972\charrsid11951072 , 955 P.2d at 459-60}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5334578\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1595630 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [25]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid930443\charrsid11951072 \tab The Superior Court characterized Michael\rquote s military retirement pay}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340318\charrsid11951072 , including the increases due to post-separation }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1911568\charrsid11951072 additional years of service and promotion,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid930443\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid688005\charrsid11951072 as containing a community interest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13319526\charrsid11951072 Therefore, t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4989673\charrsid11951072 he characterization questions presented are whether the Superior Court e}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5787277\charrsid11951072 rred in treating }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4989673\charrsid11951072 retirement pay as being subject to characterization}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5906661\charrsid11951072 as community property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4989673\charrsid11951072 in general, and whether the court erred}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5787277\charrsid11951072 in characterizing the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 military retirement pay, including the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5787277\charrsid11951072 increase}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4989673\charrsid11951072 in pay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128395\charrsid11951072 due to the post-separation}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5787277\charrsid11951072 promotion and additional years of service}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5787277\charrsid11951072 as containing a community interest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid930443\charrsid11951072 Reviewing }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid930443\charrsid11951072 de novo}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid930443\charrsid11951072 the Superior Court\rquote s characterization}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid688005\charrsid11951072 of }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid930443\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s military retirement pay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9598087\charrsid11951072 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5787277\charrsid11951072 for the following reasons,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid688005\charrsid11951072 we find no error.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9507698 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [26]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 \tab Michael, for good reason, does not contest that his military retirement benefits can be characterized as community property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15484380\charrsid11951072 and are divisible in divorce}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 .}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151361\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 See}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Mary J. Bradley, }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Calling for a Truce on the Military Divorce Battlefield}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 , 168 Mil. L. Rev. 40, 56 n.85 (2001) (\'93}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 All states now have clearly ruled that military retired pay is divisible for property settlement purposes [in divorce]. The primary exception is Puerto Rico.\'94)}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 The right to retirement benefits is a property interes t, and to the extent that the interest derives from employment during the marriage, it is a community asset.}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151361\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 As one treatise has stated, \'93Almost all states now hold that retirement benefits of all types, vested or unvested, constitute property.\'94}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 1 Brett R. Turner, }{ \i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Equitable Distribution of Property}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \'a7 5:9 at 272 (3d ed. 2005).}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 , 955 P.2d at 454; }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 see}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 19 GCA \'a7 6101(b) (\'93}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 Community property }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 means property acquired by either spouse during marriage which is not separate property.\'94).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 As a community property asset, the right to military retirement benefits}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14756260\charrsid11951072 is a property interest that}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 may be characterized as community property under 19 G}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14756260\charrsid11951072 CA \'a7 6101 and divided in the dissolution of a marriage}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902\charrsid11951072 under 19 GCA \'a7 8411.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5848225\charrsid11951072 Therefore, the Superior Co urt correctly determined that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4723921\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5848225\charrsid11951072 military re}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4723921\charrsid11951072 tirement pay could be characterized as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5848225\charrsid11951072 community property}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4723921\charrsid11951072 and divided on divorce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5848225\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11762902 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [27]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13319526\charrsid11951072 \tab Michael\rquote s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13319526\charrsid11951072 challenges to the Superior Court\rquote s judgment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4347324\charrsid11951072 , however,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8735800\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4347324\charrsid11951072 were}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 not directed at}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8735800\charrsid11951072 the general}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8735800\charrsid11951072 treatment of }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 military retirement pay as commu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8735800\charrsid11951072 nity property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 Michael argues that the incre}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8735800\charrsid11951072 ase in his retirement pay due to}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 his }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128395\charrsid11951072 post-separation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8735800\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 promotion from Lieutenant Colonel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8735800\charrsid11951072 (O5)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 to Colonel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8735800\charrsid11951072 (O6) and additional years of service are separate property that cannot be characterized as community property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s main argument is that New Mexico case law}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 should be followed because \'93Chapter 6 of 19 GCA}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12349097\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 . . . . [was] primarily adopted from the New Mexico Property Law.\'94}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378\charrsid11951072 Appel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 lant\rquote s Opening Brief, p. 7.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 Citing }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 Franklin v. Franklin}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 , 859 P.2d 479 (N.M. 1993), Michael argues that New Mexico courts would not include the promo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13263241\charrsid11951072 tion and additional years as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 community property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4347324\charrsid11951072 However, f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 or the following reasons, Michael}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5848225\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 s characterization argument}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4347324\charrsid11951072 s are}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11622863\charrsid11951072 unavailing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10835378 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [28]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13263241\charrsid11951072 Guam precedent }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 supports}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13061751\charrsid11951072 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 e Superior Court\rquote s }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13061751\charrsid11951072 cha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 racterization of Michael\rquote s retirement pay}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13061751\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541\charrsid11951072 The Appellate Division of the District Court of Guam affirmed a Superior Court\rquote s division of military retirement benefits in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541\charrsid11951072 Sablan v. Sablan,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541\charrsid11951072 1979 WL 15117 at *1-2 (D. Guam App. Div. Feb. 15, 1979).}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Any argument that }{ \i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Sablan}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 was overruled by the later issued Supreme Court opinion in }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 McCarty}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 would lack merit, because \'93}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 law treating military retirement pensions as community property is no longer preempted [by Federal Law in accordance with }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 McCarty}{ \fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 ]. The Act\rquote s legislative history clearly indicates Congress\rquote intent to abrogate all applications of the }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 McCarty}{ \fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 decision.\'94}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 In re Marriage of Buikema,}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 188 Cal. Rptr. 856, 857 (Ct. App. 1983).}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Neither party cited to }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Sablan}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 .} {\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 In }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 Sablan}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 , the court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13916708\charrsid11951072 approved }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 the use of an apportionment equation by the Superior Court to divide the husband\rquote s military retirement pay that placed the length of the marriage in the numerator and the total length of the husband\rquote s military service in the denominator.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 1979 WL 15117 at *1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 The court in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 Sablan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 also used the military member\rquote s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 total final retirement pay as the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 multiplier.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 Id.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 The equation in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 Sablan }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 was adopted }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 from }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Fithian}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 , }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6431791\charrsid11951072 517 P.2d 449 (Cal. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 1974).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 Sablan, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 1979 WL 15117 at *1.}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{ \fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 The complete equation multiplied one half times the total retirement pay times the fraction represented by the length of marriage in the numerator and the total length of military service in the denominator.}{ \fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Sablan, }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 1979 WL 15117 at *1.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 The }{ \i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Sablan }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 court affirmed the award of less than the \'93}{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Fithian}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 formula\'94 result due to \'93extreme cruelty\'94 by the wife.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Id. }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 at *1.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1597264\charrsid11951072 The case before this c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 ourt today differs slightly from the facts in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 Sablan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 , because, in }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 Sablan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 , the military spouse was already retired at the time of divorce.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 However, t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 he}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 \'93}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 Fithian}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8210737\charrsid11951072 formula,\'94 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 affirmed in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 Sablan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11421669\charrsid11951072 ,}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11421669\charrsid11951072 id.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11421669\charrsid11951072 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 originated}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 in a case where the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1381014\charrsid11951072 formula included}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 retirement pay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1381014\charrsid11951072 \'93as he receives them.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 \'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 Fithian}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4926084\charrsid11951072 , 517 P.2d }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1381014\charrsid11951072 at }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4926084\charrsid11951072 450-51}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1381014\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 (}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 overruled on other grounds}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 by }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Brown}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2782786\charrsid11951072 , 126 Cal. Rptr. 633, 641-42 n.14 (Cal. 1976)). }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [29]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541\charrsid11951072 This court does not divert from precedents set by the Appellate Division of the District Court of Guam unless reason supports deviation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541\charrsid11951072 In re Camacho}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541\charrsid11951072 , 2006 Guam 5 \'b6 51 n.10.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 The precedent set in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 Sablan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 supports the Superior Court\rquote s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2431628\charrsid11951072 characterization of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s entire retirement pay as received}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16131087\charrsid11951072 , including the increases in pay due to promotion and additional years,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2431628\charrsid11951072 as containing }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6192755\charrsid11951072 a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 community }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16131087\charrsid11951072 property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6192755\charrsid11951072 interest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15670907\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12718192\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1463679\charrsid11951072 s argument for }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2431628\charrsid11951072 following }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1323536\charrsid11951072 New Mexico}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1463679\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6887412\charrsid11951072 case law}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16544958\charrsid11951072 , even if valid,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6887412\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1463679\charrsid11951072 would likely not provide sufficient reason to deviate }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 from }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1463679\charrsid11951072 Sablan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid590787\charrsid11951072 , but, his argument also lacks merit.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16131087\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9449541 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [30]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Michael}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9587802\charrsid11951072 \rquote s argument fo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 r }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9587802\charrsid11951072 following New Mexico case law lacks merit, because he made}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 an error in his comparison of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9587802\charrsid11951072 statutes.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9587802\charrsid11951072 Michael}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 compares 19 GCA \'a7 6101(a)(1) to, according to him, an identical New Mexico statute, \'93NMSA 1978 sec. 40-3-8(A)(1).\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Appellant\rquote s Opening Brief, p. 8.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Title 19 GCA \'a7 6101(a)(1) states that \'93[}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 ]}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 eparate property}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 means . . . property acquired by either spouse before marriage or }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 after entry of a decree of dissolution of marriage}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 .\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 19 GCA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 \'a7 6101(a)(1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15606107\charrsid11951072 (second emphasis added)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13916708\charrsid11951072 Property acquired \'93 while living separate and apart from the other spouse\'94 is defined as separate property by 19 GCA \'a7 6101(a)(2).}{\cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515024\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 }{ \fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Title 19 GCA \'a7 6101(a)(2) states that \'93}{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Separate property }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 means . . . property and earnings of a spouse and the minor children living with, or in the custody of, the spouse, while living separate and apart from the other spouse.\'94}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{ \fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 19 GCA \'a7 6101(a)(2).}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13916708\charrsid11951072 I}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 n this case, the Superior Court used the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515024\charrsid11951072 parties\rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6192755\charrsid11951072 separation date to characterize}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 the property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9587802\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 under 19 GCA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9587802\charrsid11951072 \'a7 6101}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 (a)(2).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 See }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Appellant\rquote s ER, tab J (Decision and Order at 5 (using \'93years of service during marriage before }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 separation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 \'94 in the n }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9587802\charrsid11951072 umerator}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1065531\charrsid11951072 (emphasis added)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 )).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [31]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Michael did not contest the Superior Court\rquote s use of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 separation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6192755\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13263241\charrsid11951072 date }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6192755\charrsid11951072 to characterize}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 the property, and he actually uses }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6192755\charrsid11951072 in his \'93correct calculation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 \'94}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6192755\charrsid11951072 a numerator that includes the \'93years of service during marriage before separation.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Appellant\rquote s Opening Brief, p. 6.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Therefore, Michael has made }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13263241\charrsid11951072 a comparison}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 to the wrong statute for this case.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13263241\charrsid11951072 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 he New Mexico statute }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1065531\charrsid11951072 selected for comparison}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 by Michael does not contain }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9587802\charrsid11951072 a provision that is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 similar to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515024\charrsid11951072 19 GCA }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15737819\charrsid11951072 \'a7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 6101(a)(2).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 See Stephens v. Stephens}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 , 595 P.2d 1196, 1197-98 (N.M. 1979) (quoting paragraph (a)(2) of \'93 Section 40-3-8, N.M.S.A. 1978\'94 as \'93property acquired after entry of a decree entered pursuant to Section 40-4-3 NMSA 1978 unless the decree provides otherwise\'94).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515024\charrsid11951072 Title 19 GCA \'a7 6101(a)(2) inste}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9598087\charrsid11951072 ad appears to have come from}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515024\charrsid11951072 California law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [32]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Guam Civil Code \'a7 155(a)(2), the identical precursor to 19 GCA \'a7 6101(a)(2), was enacted by Public Law 15-113 on March 20, 1980.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5968513\charrsid11951072 Guam Pub. L. 15-113 (March 20, 1980).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515024\charrsid11951072 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 he compiler of law stated regarding 19 GCA Chapter 6 that \'93[t]he final version of this Chapter was taken from California law since the prior Guam law also cam [}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 sic}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 ] from California and this amendment was merely to bring the Guam law of Community Property up to date (at the time).\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Title 19 GCA, Chapter 6, Note.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 California Civil Code section 5118 was amended in 1972, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Marvin v. Marvin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 , 557 P.2d 106, 115 n.7 (Cal. 1976), to read that \'93\lquote [t]he earnings and accumulations of a spouse and the minor children living with, or in the custody of, the spouse, {\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b1175}{\*\bkmkstart SearchTerm}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b1175} while living separate and apart{\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b1176}{\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b1177}{\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b1179}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b1176}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b1177}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b1179} from the other {\*\bkmkstart SR\'3b1183}{\*\bkmkend SR\'3b1183} {\*\bkmkend SearchTerm}spouse, are the separate property of the spouse,\rquote \'94 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Bouquet}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 , 546 P.2d 1371, 1372 n.1 (Cal. 1976) (quoting Civil Code }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11814187\charrsid11951072 \'a7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 5118).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid330627 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [33]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid330627\charrsid11951072 Comparing section 5118 to section 6101(a)(2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 of our code}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid330627\charrsid11951072 in light of the timing of the enactment of the source of section 6101 and the note by the compiler, it is obvious that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 California Civil Code }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid669954\charrsid11951072 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 ect}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid330627\charrsid11951072 ion 5118 is the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3111450\charrsid11951072 source of 19 GCA \'a7 6101(a)(2), }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid330627\charrsid11951072 the relevant characterization statute for this case}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 We have stated that we}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 find persuasive California }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13043767\charrsid11951072 cases }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 interpreting }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2979546\charrsid11951072 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13043767\charrsid11951072 California }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 statute th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13043767\charrsid11951072 at was the source of our code section}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5787976\charrsid11951072 See }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 Cruz}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3033999\charrsid11951072 , 2005 Guam 3 \'b6 9.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 The }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid742750\charrsid11951072 relevant }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 provisions of s}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13043767\charrsid11951072 ection 5118}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 remain}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13043767\charrsid11951072 in the California code today, though}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8148681\charrsid11951072 now codified as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661803\charrsid11951072 California Family Code section 771.}{ \cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661803\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 California Family Code section 771 states in relevant part that \'93 [t]he earnings and accumulations of a spouse and the minor children living with, or in the custody of, the spouse, while living separate and apart from the other spouse, are the separate property of the spouse.\'94}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Cal. Family Code \'a7 771(a) (West 2000).}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 According to the Law Revision Commission Comment to section 771, \'93}{ \fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 [s]ection 771 continues former Civil Code Section 5118 without change.\'94}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Cal. Family Code \'a7 771, Comment (West 2000).}{ \fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \par }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 The }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13043767\charrsid11951072 relevant part of California }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008202\charrsid11951072 Family }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13043767\charrsid11951072 Code \'a7 771 is identical to former section 5118, which, in turn, is}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2979546\charrsid11951072 the source of and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13043767\charrsid11951072 nearly identical to our code section 6101(a)(2).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 [34]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806189\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008202\charrsid11951072 The Supreme Court of California cited to section 771 in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8156533\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14955972\charrsid11951072 , 955 P.2d at }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008202\charrsid11951072 454}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008202\charrsid11951072 when it determined that \'93 a nonemployee spouse who owns a community property interest in an employee spouse}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008202\charrsid11951072 s retirement benefits owns a community property interest in the latter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008202\charrsid11951072 s retirement benefits as enhanced. \'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008202\charrsid11951072 Id.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9506694\charrsid11951072 at 460.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9506694\charrsid11951072 Though }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9506694\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9506694\charrsid11951072 involved increases in retirement pay due to early retirement incentives, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9506694\charrsid11951072 id.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9506694\charrsid11951072 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8857881\charrsid11951072 t 453, the court explained that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 the enhancement was \'93no different from a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid794559\charrsid11951072 n enhancement effected through \lquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 additi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid794559\charrsid11951072 onal years of service,\rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid794559\charrsid11951072 \lquote increase in earnings,\rquote or \lquote increase in age\rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 - which is uncontestedly a community asset} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid669954\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid794559\charrsid11951072 \'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid669954\charrsid11951072 I}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 d. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 at 460 (quoting }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Adams}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148765\charrsid11951072 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 134 Cal. Rptr. 298, 302 (Ct. App. 1976)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid402619\charrsid11951072 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4524284\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4996465 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [35]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid863523\charrsid11951072 The California Supreme Court, under a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid794559\charrsid11951072 code section }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 that shares a common source as}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid794559\charrsid11951072 section 6101(a)(2), has characterized retirement pay as enhanced as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 containing a }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid794559\charrsid11951072 community property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 interest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid794559\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid402619\charrsid11951072 Therefore, we find }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid402619\charrsid11951072 Lehman }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid402619\charrsid11951072 to be persuasiv}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4996465\charrsid11951072 e for our determination regarding the characterization of }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid402619\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4535619\charrsid11951072 retirement pay.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4611335\charrsid11951072 See Cruz}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4611335\charrsid11951072 , 2005 Guam 3 \'b6 9.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4535619\charrsid11951072 Furthermore, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4535619\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4535619\charrsid11951072 is compelling}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2167289\charrsid11951072 even without resort to the lineage of our code}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4535619\charrsid11951072 , because}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 the court\rquote s reasoning is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4535619\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10160679\charrsid11951072 cogent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 While discussing the chara}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6323168\charrsid11951072 cterization of the enhanced retirement benefits}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 as containing a community property interest, the court explained that \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5898523\charrsid11951072 [h]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 usband}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 s right to retirement benefits, which accrued, in part, during marriage before separation, underlies the right to the enhancement, which is derivative thereof.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid669954\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid669954\charrsid11951072 , 955 P.2d at 460.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 We adopt this reasoning from }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 Lehman }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 and apply it to this case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [36]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9515575\charrsid11951072 right to military retirement benefits accrued in part during the marriage and the increase in retirement pay due to his additional years of service and promotion are derivative from the years of service and promotions attained prior to his separation from Lynn.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9515575\charrsid11951072 Stated plainly, Michael did not attain his promotion to Colonel without serving at a lower rank during the marriage, and he did not reach thirty-years of service without serving twenty prior to separation.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9515575\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s service during the mar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3887275\charrsid11951072 riage underlies his post-separation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9515575\charrsid11951072 promotion and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307994\charrsid11951072 additional }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9515575\charrsid11951072 years of service}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5898523\charrsid11951072 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3887275\charrsid11951072 which}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307994\charrsid11951072 enhanced his retirement pay.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10160679 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [37]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10160679\charrsid11951072 The Superior Court\rquote s characterization determination is supported by the District Court Appellate Division\rquote s ruling in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10160679\charrsid11951072 Sablan}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10160679\charrsid11951072 , California case law interpreting the source of our statute, and the compelling reasoning from }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10160679\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10160679\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307994\charrsid11951072 Therefore, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10160679\charrsid11951072 we find that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307994\charrsid11951072 the Superior Court did not err in characterizing Michael\rquote s retirement pay as increased by his} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9598087\charrsid11951072 post-separation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307994\charrsid11951072 promotion and additional years of service }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2500039\charrsid11951072 as containing a community property interest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6323168\charrsid11951072 We now turn to the Superior Court\rquote s choice of apportionment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11928579\charrsid11951072 method.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11292729\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7421812 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12388498 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16669355\charrsid11951072 C. Apportionment}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [38]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Apportionment is used \'93 [w]hen a trial court concludes that property contains both separate and community interests.\'94 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Gowan}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 , 62 Cal. Rptr. 2d 453, 456-57 (Ct. App. 1997).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 When property contains both separate and community interests, it may be referred to as mixed property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 See Sattler}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14955972\charrsid11951072 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 2006 MP 6, 2006 WL 897140, at *4.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Apportionment and apportionment method equations define the community\rquote s interest in mixed property.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 See}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid669954\charrsid11951072 id.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 ;}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Gowan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 , 62 Cal. Rptr. 2d at 456-57.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Apportionment is an \'93intermediary step . . . [that] comes after the asset is characterized, but before it is divided.\'94}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Sattle}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14955972\charrsid11951072 r}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 , 2006 MP 6, 2006 WL 897140, at *4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [39]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 The Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has confronted the issue of what standard of review to apply to a trial court\rquote s apportionment of retirement benefits}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid669954\charrsid11951072 Id. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 at *4-5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 While ultimately determining that a more deferential standard than }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 de novo }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 review would be applied to}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 the trial court\rquote s apportionment of mixed property,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Sattler}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 court noted that \'93[a]pport ionment would seem to be a more factual inquiry than asset characterization . . . . [and] seems to lie in the middle ground between }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 de novo}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 and discretionary review standards.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Id.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid669954\charrsid11951072 at}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 *4}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 -5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 The }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Sattler}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 court applied the same more deferential standard of review to apportionment as the level of review applied to the trial court\rquote s division of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10568323\charrsid11951072 community}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 property, the abuse of discretion standard.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Id.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13321924\charrsid11951072 at}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 *5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 California courts also apply the more deferential abuse of discretion standard to a trial court\rquote s selec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 ti on of an apportionment method.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 , 955 P.2d at 461.} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 his is}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 also}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 the same standard of review that California courts use to review a trial court\rquote s}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 division of community property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Quay}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148765\charrsid11951072 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 22 Cal. Rptr. 2d. 537}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148765\charrsid11951072 , 540}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 (Ct. App. 1993).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [40]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 The Superior Court is in the best position to select the proper apportionment method to divide retirement benefits.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 See Sattler }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 2006 MP 6, 2006 WL 897140, at *5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Therefore, the Superior Courts of Guam will be allowed discretion in choos}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 ing an apportionment method.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10568323\charrsid11951072 In determining }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11893741\charrsid11951072 our }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 standard of review}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11893741\charrsid11951072 Superior Court\rquote s }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 exercise of this discretion, we follow }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Sattler }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 and the California}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 courts and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 apply a mor}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 e deferential standard}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7237414\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655\charrsid11951072 of review}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7237414\charrsid11951072 Superior Court\rquote s selection of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 apportionment method that is also the same standard we apply to the Superior Court\rquote s division of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11893741\charrsid11951072 community }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1597264\charrsid11951072 property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1597264\charrsid11951072 This c}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 ourt stated in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Sinlao v. Sinlao}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 , 2005 Guam 24, that: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 [W]e hold that, pursuant to 19 GCA \'a7 8414, the trial court}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 s division of property may be revised on appeal even where the trial court}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 s action does not amount to an abuse of discretion. This authority to revise is to be used sparingly, however, and only where the trial court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 s division results in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 manifest unfairness}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16449955 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 Id. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1272865\charrsid11951072 \'b6 10 (emp hasis added).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9839655 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [41]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7237414\charrsid11951072 A Superior Court\rquote s selection of an apportionment method }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 is, therefore, reviewed under the manifest unfairness standard from }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 Sinlao}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3162994\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5902378\charrsid11951072 \'93 Whatever the method that it may use, however, the superior court must arrive at a result that is \lquote reasonable and fairly representative of the relative contributions of the community and separate estates.\rquote \'94}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5902378\charrsid11951072 Lehman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5902378\charrsid11951072 , }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid485056\charrsid11951072 955 P.2d at 461 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5902378\charrsid11951072 (quoting}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5902378\charrsid11951072 In re Marriage of Poppe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5902378\charrsid11951072 , 97 Cal. App. 3d. 1, 11 (Ct. App. 1979)).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7475128 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\pnrdate-2033804432\pnrnot1\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [42]}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6427606\charrsid11951072 In apportioning}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7475128\charrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6427606\charrsid11951072 Michael and Lynn\rquote s community property interest in the military retirement benefits, the Superior Court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7475128\charrsid11951072 used} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6427606\charrsid11951072 the time rule}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7475128\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14762077\charrsid11951072 Under the time rule method of apportionment, \'93the community property interest in retirement benefits is the percentage representing the fraction whos e numerator is the employee spouse}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14762077\charrsid11951072 s length of service during marriage before separation . . . and whose denominator is the employee spouse}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7085585\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14762077\charrsid11951072 s length of service in total.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14762077\charrsid11951072 Id. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14762077\charrsid11951072 at 454-55.}{ \cs18\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10159529\charrsid11951072 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3226092 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs18\fs24\super\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 The time rule equation in }{\i\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 Lehman }{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 used to calculate the non-employee spouses interest in the retirement benefit as enhanced included the following steps: (1) determining the community property percentage from a fraction that included the years of employment during the marriage before separation in the numerator and the yea rs of total service in the denominator; (2) multiplying this fraction by 1/2; and (3) multiplying the product of step (2) by the total retirement pay including the enhancements.}{\fs24\cf1\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }{ \fs24\cf1\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 955 P.2d at}{\fs24\insrsid12285377\charrsid16449955 453-54, 461-62.}{\fs24\insrsid16449955\charrsid16449955 }}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11740303\charrsid11951072 Using }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 the time rule }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11740303\charrsid11951072 \'93 is not unreasonable when the \lquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 amount of the retirement benefits is substantially related to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11740303\charrsid11951072 the number of years of service.\rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 . . .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 Moreover, the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 result}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 of the time rul}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11740303\charrsid11951072 e is not unreasonable when the \lquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 relative contributions of the community and separate estates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515947\charrsid11951072 \rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 are accounted for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515947\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11740303\charrsid11951072 \'94}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 Id.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8665466\charrsid11951072 at 461}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 (quoting }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 Poppe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 , 97 Cal. App. 3d. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11941945\charrsid11951072 at 8, 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148765\charrsid11951072 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3348151\charrsid11951072 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11162431 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [43]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5387501\charrsid11951072 The Superior Court\rquote s use of the time rule to define and then divide the community\rquote s interest in the mixed property did not result in manifest unfairness i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14777133\charrsid11951072 n this case.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14777133\charrsid11951072 The amount of Michael\rquote s military retirement pay is substantially related t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1260374\charrsid11951072 o the number of years he served}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12797387\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12797387\charrsid11951072 Furthermore,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13453163\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12797387\charrsid11951072 b}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13321924\charrsid11951072 y using twenty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334958\charrsid11951072 years of service before separation in the n}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13321924\charrsid11951072 umerator and thirty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334958\charrsid11951072 years of total service in the denominator, t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14777133\charrsid11951072 he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11162431\charrsid11951072 result of the time rule }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334958\charrsid11951072 will }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6515947\charrsid11951072 also }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334958\charrsid11951072 account}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11162431\charrsid11951072 for}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14777133\charrsid11951072 the relative contri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11162431\charrsid11951072 butions of the community and separate estates}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4146197\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5387501\charrsid11951072 Therefore, the Superior Court did not err in using the time rule.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14777133 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16449955 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11089035\charrsid11951072 V}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13321924\charrsid11951072 .}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11089035\charrsid11951072 CONCLUSION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7820791 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16449955 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16449955\charrsid11951072 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11951072 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid11951072 [44]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5720661\charrsid11951072 \tab We hold that the Su perior Court had jurisdiction to provide declaratory relief under 7 GCA \'a7 26801 regarding an ambiguous Final Decree of Divorce.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5720661\charrsid11951072 Furthermore, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 we hold that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5720661\charrsid11951072 the Superior}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 Court correctly characterized}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5720661\charrsid11951072 Michael\rquote s}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5720661\charrsid11951072 military retirement pay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 ,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5720661\charrsid11951072 which included increases in pay due to post-separation additional years of service and a promotion}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 , as containing a community property interest, and we affirm the Superior Court\rquote s use of the time rule method of apportionment to assign the community its interest in the mixed property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 Because the Superior Court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 impermissibly }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 altered the Final Decree by usin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 g \'9320.33\'94 instead of \'9320\'94 in its}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 apportionment equation}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11554590\charrsid11951072 , we reverse that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 part of its Declaratory}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 Judgment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11951072 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11086280\charrsid11951072 Therefore, w}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 e }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 AFFIRM }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 in part and }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 REVERSE }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 in part}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13521061\charrsid11951072 the judgment of the Superior Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 and }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 REMAND}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11429202\charrsid11951072 this}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 matter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13521061\charrsid11951072 to the Superior Court}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133163\charrsid11951072 for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3226092\charrsid16449955 \par }}