Opinion ID: 878869
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: 50/50 Split of Ranch Operating Debt

Text: In 1981, when Marilyn and Arthur separated, the ranch operating debt was $29,400. Since the separation the debt has increased to $52,416. The District Court found this increase was a result of the sole actions of Arthur and he should be totally responsible for the debt incurred since the separation. The District Court found the debt at the time of separation, $29,400, to be a marital debt. Each party was to pay one-half of the sum, or $14,700. Appellant argues that the court erred by failing to offset this debt with the assets it secures, the horses and cattle. She contends that since Arthur was awarded the horses, he should have to pay the full debt on them. It may be true that the debt of $29,400 was mostly incurred for the purchase of horses for the ranch. However, prior to the separation, both Marilyn and Arthur worked on the ranch and incurred this ranch indebtedness together. The debt is a marital debt and the court may order it be borne by both parties. We affirm the equal allocation of ranch operating debt prior to separation.