Opinion ID: 878054
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: sale of ranch

Text: Finally, appellant alleges error in the District Court's failure to order the ranch sold. The court's findings numbered 54 and 55 deal with this matter and state: 54... . If the Petitioner is unable to comply with the above terms, then and in that event the entire marital estate will be sold and the net proceeds after all the marital liabilities are paid shall be divided for the basis of 60% to petitioner, 40% to respondent. 55. It is the strong desire of the Court to allow the family ranch operation to continue, although the respondent's presentations and proposals clearly indicate that it is her contention that the ranch is not an economic unit and shall be sold. This court noting the difficult economic times for farmers everywhere cannot in good conscience destroy a family ranching operation if there is any chance to save it. We agree with the above findings and hold that the court's ruling against selling the ranch property is affirmed, subject to the District Court's stated conditions. In summary we affirm the District Court's order that the ranch not be sold, subject to the conditions stated in the findings. However, we find that the District Court abused its discretion in determining the value of the marital estate of the parties. It also erred in failing to provide sufficient findings of fact and conclusions of law to support its judgment dividing the marital estate. With the exception of the issue regarding the sale of the ranch, the judgment is vacated and remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. WEBER, SHEA, MORRISON and GULBRANSON, JJ., concur.