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Billion Dollar Divorce Appeal?

In early April, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed an appeal of one of the largest divorce awards in U.S. history. In 2014, the divorce between Oklahoma oil tycoon Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall was finalized with an order by the court awarding Arnall nearly $1 Billion dollars. However, both Hamm and Arnall appealed the trial court's decision.

In her appeal, Arnall argued that she deserved a larger share of the estimated $18 Billion fortune Hamm amassed as the founder of Continental Resources Inc. In his appeal, Hamm argued the exact opposite, that the nearly $1 Billion award was excessive. Although appeals are generally only disposed of after extensive briefing and oral argument by both parties, in this case, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed Arnall's appeal. The rationale behind the court's decision is that Arnall forfeited her right to appeal because she cashed the $974.8 million check paid to her by Hamm in January. Essentially, the court found that because she accepted the award as ordered by the trial court, she gave up her right to appeal.

Although Arnall's appeal has been dismissed, Hamm's appeal is currently still pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The court has yet to make a determination on the merits of Hamm's appeal, but given the court's conclusion in Arnall's case, it would not be suppressing if the Oklahoma Supreme Court affirms the trial court's judgment and determines the award initially ordered by the trial court is appropriate.

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Divorce Process
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