Opinion ID: 1141778
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Issue: Status of the Original Gregory Property as Separate or Community Property Source Doctrine

Text: It is undisputed that the source of the funds comprising the $12,000 down payment on the original Gregory-Hancock contract (1949) came from the defendant's sole and separate property  the proceeds from the sale of his ranch in Arizona owned prior to his marriage to appellant in 1947. While this court recognizes the presumption that all property acquired by spouses during coverture is community property, that presumption is rebuttable when the source of the property can be established with reasonable certainty and particularity as the separate property of one or the other [spouses]    and the property so traced retains its character as separate property. Stahl v. Stahl, 91 Idaho 794 at p. 797 (and numerous cases cited therein for that proposition), 430 P.2d 685, 688 (1967). At the outset, this court is confronted with the findings of fact of the trial court, and with the general rule that a finding of a trial court that property is either separate or community, when supported by competent evidence, is binding and conclusive upon the appellate court. If it is based upon conflicting evidence or upon evidence which is subject to different inferences, we will not disturb such a finding on appeal. Fisher v. Fisher, 86 Idaho 131, 383 P.2d 840 (1963); Rose v. Rose, 82 Idaho 395, 353 P.2d 1089 (1960). A fortiori where that finding is based upon evidence which is neither conflicting nor controverted at trial, it must be upheld. The trial court here found that the Gregory property was initially purchased with the sole and separate funds of defendant Roy Hancock and was therefore his sole and separate property, appellant Josephine Hancock acquiring no right, title or community interest therein. Additionally, the court found that none of defendant Hancock's earnings while he was farming with respondent Cargill were ever used in the acquisition of the Gem County property, that property being acquired by respondent through straight across trades of her separate property.