Opinion ID: 1826405
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: One-half Interest in Cattle Acquired During the Marriage

Text: Jerry Arthur argues that the holdings in Hemsley and Ferguson are in conflict as to whether the cattle acquired during the course of the marriage constitute marital property subject to equitable distribution. Although Jerry admits that the cattle would be subject to distribution under the definition of marital assets in Hemsley, he contends that the Ferguson factors indicate the cattle in fact are not marital assets subject to distribution. We find that Jerry has misunderstood the point of the Ferguson opinion. The Ferguson factors make no attempt to define which assets are marital property subject to distribution, but rather constitute guidelines regarding how chancellors are to equitably divide marital property. Under Hemsley, the chancellor in the case sub judice clearly had the authority to equitably distribute cattle acquired during the marriage. It is by considering the Ferguson factors that the chancellor must then determine what would constitute an equitable distribution. Jerry contends that since Peggy Arthur neither contributed funds towards the purchase of the cattle nor provided labor for the raising, caring and feeding of the cattle, then the chancellor erred in awarding one-half interest in the cattle to her. However, as stated by this Court in previous cases and as reflected in the Ferguson guidelines, the chancellor may  and in fact must  consider Peggy's contributions by way of the performance of domestic, family duties. While Jerry tended the cattle, Peggy stayed home to run the house, do yard work, and care for the children. There are also other factors which in equity should be considered, as is permitted by Ferguson. It would be a fair assumption that but for Jerry's marriage to Peggy, Peggy's father likely would not have given Jerry cattle to get him started in the business in the first place. Furthermore, until the spring of 1993, which was after Jerry and Peggy had separated, the cattle were kept on Peggy's father's land. We therefore hold that the chancellor did not manifestly err in awarding to Peggy Arthur one-half interest in the cattle acquired during the marriage.