Court Opinion

ID: 9690181
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 18:55:59.255748+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:18:53.964451
License: Public Domain

SABERS, Justice
(dissenting).
I would affirm the trial court in all respects and award $1,000 in appellate attorney fees to plaintiff as successful party under Malcolm v. Malcolm, 365 N.W.2d 863 (S.D.1985).
The majority opinion unduly tinkers with a well-reasoned memorandum opinion and findings and conclusions which exceed twenty pages. Together, they present a complete and fair approach to the distribution of assets and obligations stemming from this divorce.
The majority opinion cites to Hautala v. Hautala, 417 N.W.2d 879 (S.D.1988) several times but fails to appreciate its message: “Although we urge the use of careful and consistent language, the issue is not the name placed on alimony, but whether the record supports the award.” Id. at 882.
The record supports this award and we should affirm under numerous recent South Dakota, cases.
WUEST, J., joins this dissent.