In re Marriage of Thornton

The petitioner, Elizabeth M. Thornton, and the respondent, Edmund B. Thornton, were married on December 31, 1964. Proceedings for divorce under the former divorce act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 40, pars. 1-21.4 (repealed)) were instituted in April 1975. Judgment for dissolution under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 40, par. 101 et seq.) (Marriage Act) was entered on October 18, 1977. Neither party appeals from that judgment nor from a judgment order granting custody of the children to Elizabeth Thornton. On July 5, 1978, the trial court entered judgment on the property, maintenance and child-support issues. Elizabeth Thornton appeals from those orders. Elizabeth Thornton appeals and Edmund Thornton cross-appeals on the issue of attorneys' fees. At the time of the entry of the judgment of dissolution, Elizabeth Thornton was 40 years old and Edmund Thornton was 47. The parties have four children, twin boys born in 1965 and twin girls born in 1968.