Opinion ID: 2103319
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: marital assets and liabilities were equitably distributed.

Text: SDCL 25-4-44 provides: Where a divorce is granted for an offense of either husband or wife, the courts shall in such action have full power to make an equitable division of the property belonging to either or both, whether the title to such property is in the name of the husband or the wife. In making such division of the property the court shall have regard for equity and the circumstances of the parties. This court has held that the trial court has broad discretion with respect to property division, and its judgment will not be set aside unless it clearly appears that the trial court abused its discretion. Cole v. Cole, 384 N.W.2d 312 (S.D.1986); Temple v. Temple, 365 N.W.2d 561 (S.D.1985). On review we are limited to a determination of whether there was an equitable property division. Factors to be considered in dividing marital property include: duration of the marriage; value of the property; ages of the parties; their health and competency to earn a living; the individual contributions of the parties to the accumulation of the property; and the income producing capacity of the parties' individual assets. Garnos v. Garnos, 376 N.W.2d 571 (S.D. 1985); Wallahan v. Wallahan, 284 N.W.2d 21 (S.D.1979). Fault should not be considered. SDCL 25-4-45.1. While these factors are considered, there exists no mathematical formula in making a property division. Martin v. Martin, 358 N.W.2d 793 (S.D.1984). The trial court found that the marriage lasted 10 years and valued the marital property at $112,605.67. The parties were ages 48 and 43 at the time of trial. Donald has excellent health, while Joan has some minor health problems. Donald earns $35,000 a year plus benefits, while Joan can expect to earn approximately $10,000. She did work outside the home for seven and one-half years, contributing to the marital assets. Her contribution as a wife and stepmother also added to the accumulation of assets. Temple, supra . Joan was awarded almost half of the marital assets and such assets are liquid. Donald's share of the property has little income producing capacity because it is not liquid, not readily saleable, or has been locked into some investment plan. The record supports the trial court's consideration of the foregoing factors, and we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in dividing the marital assets and liabilities.