Court Opinion

ID: 9709923
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 03:57:29.534457+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:22:52.717502
License: Public Domain

AMUNDSON, Justice
(concurring in part and concurring specially in part).
This court has previously held it is within the trial court’s discretion to provide a home for the minor child or children of the parties. Stearns v. Stearns, 80 S.D. 443, 126 N.W.2d 124 (1964). Therefore, I do not agree that the trial court abused its discretion in awarding the use of the residence to the mother and children so that they can attempt to maintain their lifestyle during the children’s minority.
On the other hand, I agree with the majority’s position that, under the facts of this case, such an award of use cannot be without consideration of other factors, such as debt payment, real estate taxes being paid on a current basis, insurance on the residence with Steve as a named insured, and each owner’s responsibility for maintenance and upkeep being clearly delineated. In order for these factors to be considered in the redetermination of the property, a remand is necessary.
I concur in total on all other issues.
I am authorized to state that Justice WUEST and Justice SABERS join in this writing.