Burrell v. Burrell’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

21 state decisions

Most-quoted passages

The sentences later courts lift from this opinion, ranked by how many decisions quote each — the parts of the opinion doing the work. These counts are smaller than the citation total above because most of the 21 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. ““After reviewing the facts of Hoster , we note that the decrease in income was somewhat permanent in nature, or at least projected by both parties to be of long duration. The trial court had granted the parties a divorce in June 1973. The supporting spouse had a 40-percent reduction in income approximately one month later and in August he moved the trial court for modification of the divorce decree. On appeal from the trial court’s denial of the request for modification we determined that the supporting spouse’s inability to pay would continue until at least the spring of 1974. ‘‘ Hoster, supra, can thus be distinguished from the case at bar where the reduction in income was arguably temporary in nature at the time of the hearing. The trial court was presented with evidence during the divorce proceedings indicating that Steven’s job as a skilled pipefitter frequently involved periods of unemployment. The trial court could properly have decided that a reduction of child-support payments only six days after the divorce judgment was entered would open the door for a request for modification each time Steven was between jobs. Thus, by the time the request for modification could be heard by the trial court, ruled on, and possibly appealed, Steven could possibly be re-employed as a pipefitter at another job.” 359 N.W.2d at 383-84 .”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Cook v. Cook

2. ““A significant factor in a proceeding to modify child-support payments is evidence of a change in the financial circumstances of either party to the divorce.... “The trial court, in considering what amount of child support must be paid, focuses on how the changed circumstances affect the financial needs of the supporting spouse and his or her ability to pay, as well as on the needs of the children and the dependent spouse.... The court must attempt to balance the needs of the children with the supporting parent’s ability to pay.” (Citations omitted.)”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Heidinger v. Heidinger

3. “We have stated that the ability to pay [child] support is not necessarily determined solely on the basis of income earned. The court must consider a party’s net worth, including the extent of his physical assets and his earning ability as demonstrated by past income.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Schatke v. Schatke