Court Opinion

ID: 9659221
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 21:35:29.412313+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:14:05.231363
License: Public Domain

SAND, Justice,
concurring specially.
I concur in the result and most of the rationale in Justice Pederson’s opinion. I am fully aware that this Court has for a considerable period of time treated property division and other related matters in divorce cases as a finding of fact. On previous occasions I have orally voiced my concern over this, but nevertheless signed the opinions. I fully realize that Justice Peder-son is merely reciting what has become standard. Because of the extended use of Rule 52(a), North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, and its concepts, I now find it necessary to express my view in writing.
The statement that such dispositions are treated as a finding of fact is partially correct if it is understood that the facts considered by the trial court leading up to the distribution of the property are a finding of fact, but the actual distribution of property or disposition are not a finding of fact. In the distribution of property, equi*280table principles of law are applied and, as such, it becomes a conclusion of law.
If the ultimate conclusion can be arrived at only by applying rules of law, the result is a conclusion of law. Findings of fact are the realities as disclosed by the evidence, as distinguished from their legal effect or consequences. Slope County, etc. v. Consolidated Coal Company, 277 N.W.2d 124 (N.D.1979), and authorities cited therein.
As an example, this Court on numerous occasions has stated in its opinions that the Ruff-Fischer guidelines apply in the division of property, etc., in divorce cases. These guidelines consist of case law including constructions and interpretations of statutes. Whenever these guidelines are applied to the facts of the case as found by the court (findings of fact) the result is a conclusion of law.
Probably because of the misuse and misapplication of the expression “findings of fact”, criticism has been invited from members of the bar and judiciary regarding our decisions on divorce matters.
YANDE WALLE, J., concurs.