Gov. Jim Gibbons says divorce is on

By Cy Ryan

Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 | 12:39 p.m.

CARSON CITY – Gov. Jim Gibbons says his divorce trial is still set for Dec. 28 in Reno and it will be open to the public.

The governor said his side made a latest offer to settlement the case but hasn’t heard back. Dawn Gibbons said however, “I haven’t heard about it.”

Asked if Dawn will have to leave the grounds of the governor’s mansion in Carson City, Gibbons said, “I think so.” He said she would “have a complete life out of government and I think she is looking forward to that.”

She said she intends to leave the rent free apartment on the mansion grounds but added she is in a “touch spot.”

“I can’t touch any of my assets,” she said. “As long as I can get my assets, I can get a place.”

Dawn was awarded $2,137 a month in temporary support during the separation.

According to an interview with the Reno Gazette Journal, the couple is apart on dividing the property which consists of a $1 million home in Reno and a ranch in Elko County. She wants to sell the properties and split the proceeds.

The house in Reno has been on the market for more than one year.

The governor says his soon-to-be ex-wife has the capacity to earn $100,000 a year and he has offered $2,000 a month alimony for one year. That alimony payment, under his offer, would end when his first term is completed.

The governor’s position is for Dawn to take the Reno home and for him to retain the ranch.

They are also trying to settle on life insurance and pensions.

Gibbons said he initially suggested the divorce trial be closed to the public. “The court has ruled under these circumstances it will be open.”

He said, “There is always a chance to settle. We have a settlement offer out there and we will see if it works.”

The governor said the trial is scheduled to last four days.