Here’s a case about always proof reading a decree carefully, and not pressing send on ill-advised e-mails.
In Gates v. Gates, No. 11-18-00139-CV, 2020 WL 3635241 (Tex. App.—Eastland 2020, no pet. h.) (mem. op.) (06-30-20), a decree was entered years earlier which awarded Wife part of Husband’s Navy retirement “determined under the formula set below.” There was, however, no formula. The Wife sued and asked the Court to clarify that she was entitled to 50% of Husband’s Navy retirement. One of the exhibits at this hearing was an e-mail from the Husband stating “Just because the court gave you half my retirement, didn’t mean the Navy was gonna agree.” The trial Court found that the parties had intended to split the Husband’s retirement equally and the appeals court confirmed.