Opinion ID: 1678618
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Was finding of adultery clearly erroneous?

Text: Findings of fact are reviewed under the clearly erroneous standard. They will not be overturned unless we are left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made. Hilbrands v. Hilbrands, 429 N.W.2d 750 (S.D.1988); Cole v. Cole, 384 N.W.2d 312 (S.D.1986); Temple v. Temple, 365 N.W.2d 561 (S.D.1985). The findings of fact are presumptively correct and the burden is upon the challenger to show error. Insurance Agents, Inc. v. Zimmerman, 381 N.W.2d 218 (S.D.1986); Temple, supra . It is not necessary in divorce cases to show a direct act of adultery. Rykhus v. Rykhus, 319 N.W.2d 167 (S.D. 1982). Adultery may be inferred from the circumstances which when proven lead naturally and fairly to such a conclusion. Rykhus, supra . Though Lou Anne and Sterk denied such a relationship, the court found their testimony was not credible. Due regard must be given to the opportunity of the trial court to judge the credibility of the witnesses and to weigh their testimony. Rykhus, supra ; Watt v. Watt, 312 N.W.2d 707 (S.D.1981). Further, we must accept the evidence most favorable to the decision, and any reasonable inferences drawn therefrom. Isaak v. Isaak, 278 N.W.2d 445 (S.D.1979); Schutterle v. Schutterle, 260 N.W.2d 341 (S.D.1977). The trial court was not clearly erroneous in granting the divorce to Roland on the grounds of adultery as there was sufficient circumstantial evidence to support the finding.