Opinion ID: 901020
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: [¶ 9.] We review the circuit court's findings of fact under the clearly erroneous standard. City of Deadwood v. Summit, Inc., 2000 SD 29, ¶ 9, 607 N.W.2d 22, 25 (citing New Era Mining Co. v. Dakota Placers, Inc., 1999 SD 153, ¶ 7, 603 N.W.2d 202, 204). Under this standard, we will only reverse when we are left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made after a thorough review of the evidence. Id. We review conclusions of law under the de novo standard without deference to the circuit court. Id. [¶ 10.] We will not reverse a circuit court's division of property unless it clearly appears the trial court abused its discretion. Divich v. Divich, 2003 SD 73, ¶ 7, 665 N.W.2d 109, 112 (citing Kanta v. Kanta, 479 N.W.2d 505, 507 (S.D.1991)). The term `abuse of discretion' refers to a discretion exercised to an end or purpose not justified by, and clearly against, reason and evidence. Id.