Lawrence Robert Gamer - Page 9

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          terms of the settlement agreement, petitioner would have been               
          liable for the $37,000 payment in the event of Ms. Gamer’s prior            
          death.                                                                      
               Respondent contends that petitioner was obligated under the            
          terms of the settlement agreement to make the $37,000 payment to            
          Ms. Gamer in the event of her prior death.  Petitioner primarily            
          argues that, because the $37,000 payment was required to be made            
          almost simultaneously with the execution of the settlement                  
          agreement (i.e., within 10 days of the date of the settlement               
          agreement), there arose no liability that would not have                    
          terminated at Ms. Gamer’s death.                                            

               We hold that the $37,000 payment petitioner made to Ms.                
          Gamer in 2000 was a property settlement and not deductible                  
          alimony.                                                                    

               In reaching our conclusion, we apply the language of the               
          settlement agreement itself.  Paragraph 10 of the settlement                
          agreement provides that both petitioner and Ms. Gamer waive                 
          alimony.  Paragraph 18 of the settlement agreement, however,                
          provides that “[petitioner] shall pay [Ms. Gamer] the sum of                
          $37,000" in exchange for Ms. Gamer’s interest in the marital                
          residence.  The terms of the settlement agreement do not state              
          that petitioner’s liability to make the $37,000 payment would               
          cease upon the prior death of Ms. Gamer.  Additionally, paragraph           
          14 of the settlement agreement provides that petitioner and Ms.             





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