Opinion ID: 2042323
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Valuation of Furniture and Funeral Home Business.

Text: Wife asserts that the value of Johnson Furniture and Funeral Home, Inc. is $430,408.00 and that, accordingly, the value of husband's 82% interest is $352,600.00. The trial court valued the business at $337,661.00 and the marital value at $276,882.02. [8] The trial court adopted the valuation prepared by husband's certified appraiser because it took into account the heavy competition faced by the funeral home and furniture store in the numerous neighboring towns and had several comparable sales upon which to base [the valuation]. We will not overturn a valuation unless it is clearly erroneous. Herrboldt v. Herrboldt, 303 N.W.2d 571, 572 (S.D.1981). The court's assessment of the value of the funeral home and furniture business was within the range of figures presented at trial and supported by the record. See Nelson v. Nelson, 454 N.W.2d 533, 537 (S.D.1990). We do not require exactitude in the trial court's valuation of closely held businesses and, as long as its finding falls within a reasonable range of figures in evidence, we will not disturb the valuation. Such is the case here, and we affirm the trial court's determination of the total value of the furniture business and funeral home. As previously noted, however, the court's finding that the marital interest in the businesses was 82% conflicts with its finding that a 25% interest was held by husband before the marriage. On remand, the trial court is directed to resolve this factual conflict.