Court Opinion

ID: 884236
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2013-06-05 02:59:52.78706+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:11:46.565915
License: Public Domain

No. 96-397

                IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

                                              1997

          ARRIAGE OF

KATHLEEN D. GAUF,

               Petitioner and Appellant,

         and

DOUGLAS H. GAUF,

               Respondent and Respondent.

APPEAL FROM:          District Court of the Fifth Judicial District,
                      In and for the County of Madison,
                      The Honorable Frank M. Davis, Judge presiding.

COUNSEL OF RECORD:

               For Appellant:

                      Anne H. Watson, Watson & Watson,
                      Bozeman. Montana

               For Respondent:

                      Douglas H. Gauf, Pro Se, Belgrade, Montana

                                                           Submitted on Briefs: July 23, 1997

                                                                       Decided: September 8 ,
Filed:
Justice Terry N. Trieweiler delivered the opinion of the Court.

       Pursuant to Section I, Paragraph 3(c), Montana Supreme Court 1995 Intemal

Operating Rules, the following decision shall not be cited as precedent and shall be published

by its filing as a public document with the Clerk of the Supreme Court and by a report of its

result to State Reporter Publishing Company and West Publishing Company.

       Kathleen D. Gauf filed a petition for dissolution of her marriage to Douglas H. Gauf

in the District Court for the Fifth Judicial District in Madison County. A court-appointed

master made findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a proposed decree which granted

Kathleen's petition and divided the parties' property. The District Court adopted the master's

findings, conclusions, and decree, and entered judgment on that basis. Kathleen appeals. We

affirm in part and vacate in part the judgment of the District Court, and remand this case to

the District Court for proceedings consistent with this opinion.

       The following issues are presented on appeal:

       1.     Did the District Court err when it adopted the master's division and valuation

of the ranch property?

       2.     Did the District Court err when it adopted the master's valuation of the

outfitting business?

       3.     Did the District Court err when it adopted the master's calculation and division

of the parties' debts and assets?

       4.     Did the District Court err when it assessed the master's fee?
                                FACTUAL BACKGROUND

       The following facts are taken from the master's findings of fact:

       Kathleen and Douglas Gauf were married on October 3, 1981. They have one child,

who was born July 1, 1988.

       Kathleen's parents, Thomas and Diana Wilson, owned 165 acres of land in Madison

County, known generally as Wilson Ranch. The real property includes 152 acres of pasture,

two one-acre homesteads, a one-acre parcel on which an old schoolhouse is located, and a

separate ten-acre parcel. Kathleen and Douglas lived on the property until their separation

in July 1994.

       In June 1987, Thomas and Diana Wilson made a gift of an undivided one-half interest

in the real property to Kathleen and Douglas as joint tenants; Diana Wilson is the owner of

the remaining one-half interest. Kathleen and Douglas dispute whether the gift also included

the livestock and equipment on the ranch. Thereafter, Kathleen and Douglas operated the

ranch by paying all necessary expenses, hiring help, performing labor, and retaining all

profits from the ranch. In 1994 and 1995, following the parties' separation, Kathleen and

Diana Wilson sold the livestock and equipment and retained the proceeds from the sales.

       In 1989, Kathleen and Douglas established an outfitting business known as Douglas

Fir and Furs. The business was originally hnded by a $30,095 loan, secured by a trust

indenture against ten acres of the ranch. The assets of the business include a boat and trailer,

miscellaneous outfitting equipment, and an outfitting license.
       On December 7, 1994, Kathleen sought a dissolution of the marriage in the Fifth

Judicial District Court in Madison County. After an initial hearing, the District Court found

that the parties' contentions created an exceptional condition, and, pursuant to Rule 53,

M.R.Civ.P., appointed a master to preside over trial of the matter. After four days of trial,

the master filed a report with the District Court, including findings of fact, conclusions of

law, and a decree of dissolution of marriage, as well as a memorandum in support of the

findings. The master determined that the undivided one-half interest in the real property was

marital property, and that Douglas was entitled to a one-fourth share of the value of the

ranch. In addition, the master found that an undivided one-half interest in the livestock and

equipment on the ranch was included in the gift and thus, marital property subject to division.

The District Court did not require the master to file a transcript of the proceedings.

       Pursuant to Rule 53(e)(2), M.R.Civ.P., Kathleen objected to portions of the master's

report which pertained to the property division; neither party made any objection regarding

custody, child support, or visitation. The District Court found that the report was not clearly

erroneous, but rather that it reflected a fair and equitable resolution of this matter. Therefore,

the District Court adopted the report and ordered the property to be divided pursuant to its

terms. Kathleen now appeals from the District Court's decree.

                                            ISSUE 1

       Did the District C o u ~err when it adopted the master's division and valuation of the
                               t

ranch property?
         We review findings of fact related to the division of marital property to determine if

they are clearly erroneous. If they are not, the judgment will be affirmed unless the district

court abused its discretion. See In re Marriage ofSnzitlz (1995). 270 Mont. 263,267-68, 891
P.2d 522, 525; Irz re Marriage ofRock (1993), 257 Mont. 476,479-80, 850 P.2d 296, 298.

The Lest h r abuse of' discretion in dissolution proceedings is "'whether the trial court acted

arbitrarily without employment of conscientious judgment or exceeded the bounds of reason

resulting in substantial injustice."' liz re Mar-riage ofMeeks (1996), 276 Mont. 237,242,915

P.2d 831, 834 (quoting In re Marriage of Torzrze (1987), 226 Mont. 1, 3, 733 P.2d 1280,

1282).

         The division of marital property in a dissolution action is governed by   5 40-4-202,
MCA. Pursuant to this statute, the district court is vested with broad discretion to distribute

the marital estate in a manner which is equitable to each party according to the circumstances

of the case. See In re Marriage ofMaedje (1994), 263 Mont. 262, 265, 868 P.2d 580, 582.

         Rule 53, M.R.Civ.P., authorizes the appointment of a master by the district court.

Pursuant to Rule 53(e)(2), M.R.Civ.P., "[iln an action to be tried without a j u ~ y court
                                                                                   the

shall accept the master's findings of fact unless clearly erroneous." Kathleen implies that the

District Court erred by appointing the master. Her primary challenge, however, is to specific

findings made by the master. Accordingly, we will review the challenged findings to

dctcrminc whcthcr thcy arc clcarly crroncous. See Schmidt v. Colonial Ter-I-ace
                                                                              Assocs.

(1985), 215 Mont. 62, 66,694 P.2d 1340, 1344.
       First, Kathleen contends that the master erred in finding that the gift of real property

to the couple is a marital asset and that it should be divided equally. Here, both parties

acquired their interest in the ranch by deed during the marriage, and as joint tenants. The

record is devoid of evidence to support Kathleen's claims that the gift of the ranch was made

entirely to her and that Douglas is not entitled to an interest in the ranch. Accordingly, we

affim~ master's finding that the ranch is marital property.
     the

       When it distributed the parties' interest in the ranch, the District Court was required,

pursuant to § 40-4-202, MCA, to consider, among other things, the contribution of each

spouse to the property. Here, the record clearly supports the master's finding that "[bloth

parties have contributed financially to and facilitated the preservation and maintenance of

[the ranch]." Kathleen contends that the ranch has deteriorated due to Douglas's negligent

management, and therefore, that he is not entitled to an equal share of its value. However,

that fact alone, even if true, does not establish that the master "acted arbitrarily without

employment of conscientious judgment or exceeded the bounds of reason." Therefore, we

conclude that the master's determination that an equitable division of the property is to award

each party a one-quarter interest in the value of the ranch is not an abuse of discretion.

       In addition, Kathleen contends that the master erred when she determined the size of

the ranch. However, while there was a conflict in the evidence of the ranch's size, the

master's finding in that regard was supported by substantial evidence and was not clearly

erroneous. Therefore, we affirm that finding.
       Kathleen also objects to the District Court's valuation of the ranch. However, "the

[district] court remains free, in its discretion, to adopt any reasonable valuation of property

which is supported by the record." In re Marriage ofLuisi (1988), 232 Mont. 243, 247, 756
P.2d 456, 459.     "Its valuation can be premised on expert testimony, lay testimony,

documentary evidence, or any combination thereof." Meeks, 276 Mont. at 242, 915 P.2d at

834-35. A court is free to adopt proposed values of a party or a layman, or to set its own

values, but when faced with widely conflicting values, the court is required to give reasons

for selecting one value over the others. See In re Marriage ofHurley (1986), 222 Mont. 287,

296, 721 P.2d 1279, 1285. Where the parties present conflicting testimony as to the value

of property, the court must use its fact-finding power to determine which evidence is more

credible. See In re Marriage ofOtto (1990), 245 Mont. 271,278, 800 P.2d 706, 710.

       Here, the master found that the total value of the ranch was $421,180. Kathleen's

appraisal placed its value at $357,000, while Douglas's appraisal of the ranch, not including

the value of the buildings, was $396,000. Despite Kathleen's claim in her brief that the

master chose not to consider her appraisal, the master adopted many of her values directly

from Kathleen's appraisal.

       The crucial values on which the master and Kathleen diverge pertain to the two

one-acre homesteads on the ranch. Kathleen's appraisal recognized their replacement costs

at $78,795 and $72,150, but then uscd substantially dcprcciatcd valucs of $22,376 and $0,
respectively, in arriving at the total value of the ranch. In In re Marriage ofPopp (1 983),

206 Mont. 415,420, 671 P.2d 24, 26-27, we stated:

               It is also clear from a thorough review of the file on this matter that the
       court valued some assets at their depreciated value as listed on the parties'
       income tax returns instead of at their fair market value. Yet there is no finding
       stating that the depreciated value is equal to fair market value of certain items
       of equipment. Without such a finding we hold the District Court's decision
       was "clearly erroneous."

Here, the master relied on Popp to find that valuation of the homesteads at such depreciated

values would not reflect their fair market value or a reasonable valuation pursuant to

5 40-4-202, MCA.    Based on our review of the evidence, we conclude that the District Court

did not err when it did so.

       Kathleen contends that the master's valuation violates Montana law because it ignores

the values presented by the evidence. We stated in In re Marriage of Taylor (1993), 257
Mont. 122, 127, 848 P.2d 478,481, that if there is a dispute over the value of property, the

district court may assign any value that is within the range of values presented by the

evidence. When there is a great disparity between or among values, the court must state its

reasons for ail-iving at its valuation. Hel-e, the master explained that the lack of credible

evidence regarding the ranch's value as a whole necessitated independent valuation of the

component parcels to arrive at the overall value of the ranch. In arriving at the value of the

component parcels, the master assigned only values which were well supported in the record
and fully explained the basis of each part of her valuation. Accordingly, we conclude that

the master's valuation of the ranch as a whole is not clearly erroneous

       Second, Kathleen contends that the master erred by including the ranch livestock and

equipment in the marital estate. The parties dispute whether the Wilsons' 1987 gift of the

real property also included a gift of the personal property, or whether the gift was limited to

the use and proceeds of the livestock and equipment.

       The master heard substantial testimony regarding the couple's authority to use,

control, manage, maintain, and enjoy the livestock and equipment. The master was in the best

position to weigh that evidence against the testimony of Thomas and Diana Wilson, who

stated that it was their intent to transfer only the use and proceeds of the livestock and

equipment. Accordingly, we affim~ master's finding that the couple owned a one-half
                                the

interest in the livestock and equipment, and that any proceeds from their sale are subject to

an equal division between them. We also conclude that the master's valuation of the

livestock was supported by substantial evidence and was not clearly erroneous. However,

we conclude that the master erred when she valued the ranch equipment based on the

proceeds of a 1994 auction which included items that were clearly the personal property of

Thomas and Diana Wilson. We therefore vacate the District Court's valuation of the ranch

equipment, and remand to the District Court for a valuation of the ranch equipment without

the nonmarital property.
                                          ISSUE 2

       Did the District Court err when it adopted the master's valuation of the outfitting

business?

       Kathleen contends that the District Court erred by basing its valuation of Douglas's

outfitting business on the testimony of a previously unidentified witness.

       We review a district court's evidentiary rulings to determine whether there has been

an abuse of discretion. See United First Fed. Sav. & Loan v. mite-Stevens, Ltd. (1992), 253

Mont. 242,244, 833 P.2d 170, 172.

       Rule 26(b)(4)(A)(i), M.R.Civ.P., permits a party, through interrogatories, to identify

the name of each person whom the other party expects to call as an expert witness at trial and

the subject matter of that person's testimony. Furthennore, a party has a duty pursuant to

Rule 26(e)(l), M.R.Civ.P., to supplement any prior response regarding expert witnesses. A

trial court's refusal to exclude the testimony of a witness whose identity has not been

disclosed, despite interrogatories requesting their identities, is a violation of Rule 26,

M.R.Civ.P., and constitutes an abuse of discretion. See United First Fed., 253 Mont. at 248,

833 P.2d at 173. See also Sanders v. Mount Haggin Livestock Co. (1972), 160 Mont. 73,79,

500 P.2d 397,401.

       Here, Kathleen's first set of discovery requests asked for a list of all witnesses whom

Douglas intended to call at trial, as well as the substance of their testimony, Douglas's

answer did not identify Glen Gallentine as a witness, nor did he identify the witness at any
subsequent time. Kathleen pointed this out when she objected to Douglas's attempt to have

Gallentine testify regarding the value of the outfitting business. Nonetheless, the master

allowed the witness to testify, and ultimately relied almost exclusively on that testimony to

determine a value of the business. We conclude that the master's admission of and reliance

on Gallentine's testimony was an abuse of discretion. Accordingly, we vacate the master's

finding regarding the valuation of the outfitting business, and remand to the District Court

for findings consistent with this opinion.

                                             ISSUE 3

       Did the District Court err when it adopted the master's calculation and division of the

parties' debts and assets?

       Kathleen p~incipallychallenges the master's findings regarding two of the pai-ties'

debts and assets: (1) pasture income and hay sales; and (2) operating expenses of the ranch

after the parties separated.

       First, the master determined that 1994 pasture income in the amount of $7,075 was

a marital asset, as well as other pasture income and hay sales in the amount of $6,859. While

the latter figure is supported by substantial evidence, the former figure was not. The only

possible reference in the record for the District Court's finding that the ranch received pasture

income in 1994 was the following question and answer:

       Q.      And again, could you take a look and indicate what the total revenue
               developed from the pasture for the year 1994--or 1995 has been?

                                               11
       A.     [BY DOUGLAS GAUF] $7,075.00.

       However, the question makes the answer unclear regarding the year being referred to,

and to find that it referred to 1994 is contrary to other evidence that the pasture had not been

leased in 1994. We therefore conclude that the District Court's finding that the ranch

received pasture income in 1994 is clearly erroneous.

       Second, Kathleen contends that the master erred by dividing the assets from the ranch

equally without considering the expenses incurred by her for operation of the ranch.

However, the court's responsibility is to make an equitable division of all of the marital

property. See $40-4-202(1), MCA; In re Marriage of Barker (1994), 264 Mont. 110, 114,

870 P.2d 86, 88. Accordingly, the appropriate question in reviewing the master's findings

is not whether Kathleen and Douglas share equally in the ranch income and expenses, but

rather, whether they share equitably in the marital estate. We conclude that they do.

Therefore, we conclude that the fact that the master did not specifically offset Douglas's

share to account for Kathleen's expenses was not an abuse of discretion.

                                           ISSUE 4

       Did the District Court err when it assessed the master's fee?

       Rule 53(a), M.R.Civ.P., provides in relevant part:

       The compensation to be allowed to a master shall be fixed by the court,
       and shall be charged upon such of the parties or paid out of any fund or
       subject matter of the action, which is in the custody and control of the
       court as the court may direct.
       Here, the court ordered the parties each to pay half of the master's $3000 fee.

Kathleen contends that the $3000 fee is excessive and unjustified without an accounting to

justify the amount.

       The Montana rule is essentially identical to the Federal rule regarding compensation

of masters. Federal decisions have held that district courts have discretion to determine the

amount and allocation of a master's compensation, subject to review in case of abuse.

See, e.g., Aird v. Ford Motor Co. (D.C. Cir. 1996), 86 F.3d 216,221; Broclc v. Ing (10th Cir.

1987), 827 F.2d 1426, 1428; Morgan v. Kerrigan (1st Cir. 1976), 530 F.2d 401,427. We

will do the same.

       A review of whether the district court abused its discretion in its determination of the

master's fee requires consideration of a number of factors, including the time spent by the

master, the master's background and distinction, the thoroughness of the services, the

difficulty, amount, or importance of the matter involved, and the assistance provided by the

                                                           Safety Table Co. v. Sclzveiber (2d
master to the final disposition of the matter. See A~nerican

Cir. 1969), 415 F.2d 373, 379-80. Here, the master conducted four days of hearings

involving many witnesses, and made findings on multiple contentions between the parties,

including child custody, support, and the property division. In addition to the numerous

findings and calculations, the master also prepared a substantial memorandum in support of

the findings. The hearings and findings in this case dcmandcd considcrablc timc and effort
to complete. Therefore, we conclude that the $3000 fee was not unreasonably high for the

master's services in this case, and that the District Court did not abuse its discretion.

       We affirm this case in part and remand it in part to the District Court for a hearing to

determine the appropriate marital share and valuation of the ranch equipment, the value of

the outfitting business, and an appropriate division of the marital estate considering those

values and other deletions from the marital estate as decided by this opinion.

                                                                / justice

We Concur: