Smith v. Jones

LABORDE, Judge.

This is an appeal from a declaratory judgment decreeing to Rudy Donnell Smith two-thirds (2/3) of the value of the property in dispute. The property was purchased by the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation (hereinafter State) from the putative owner, Gussie Mae Bell Jones. At issue is whether Rudy Donnell Smith is entitled to be compensated or placed in possession of his share of the disputed property. We affirm in part, amend in part, reverse in part, and remand.

Cleveland Jones was married twice, first to Mary Morgan, whom he divorced; then to Gussie Mae Bell…