In the case of Rice v. Rice, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts dealt with the division of property and alimony in a divorce proceeding. Nancy Ann K. Rice sought a divorce from John H. Rice, which was granted by the Probate Court. The court awarded Nancy approximately half of John’s estate and $30,000 annually in alimony. John appealed the decision, arguing that the division of property was excessive. The court, however, upheld the judgment, emphasizing the broad discretion granted to probate judges under Massachusetts law, specifically G.L. c. 208, § 34. The judge considered various factors, including Nancy’s lack of vocational skills and her responsibilities as a custodial parent, in making the decision. The court found that the division was equitable, given the circumstances, and did not constitute an abuse of discretion.