In Re the Marriage of Brady

Stephen Brady appeals from a judgment and decree distributing the property of the parties and dissolving their marriage. At issue is the valuation of 5 acres and a house.

In 1965, Mr. Brady purchased 5 acres of land with a cabin for $5,500 by means of a real estate contract. After their marriage in 1973, the community made 20 payments on that contract. Also, after the marriage, the Bradys improved the property by digging a well, hooking up a septic system, adding bedrooms, a kitchen, several outbuildings, and by grading and landscaping. The Bradys maintained the property as the family…