Merchants State Bank v. Light

C.E. Light, d/b/a Light Law Office (Attorney), appeals the summary judgment entered in favor of Merchants State Bank of Freeman (Merchants Bank). The circuit court determined that Attorney’s claims were barred by the doctrine of res judicata. We affirm.

FACTS/PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Diana Hofer (wife) and Jennis Hofer (husband) operated a family farm near Freeman, South Dakota. Husband and wife had been married for approximately 24 years when, in 1984, husband was convicted of a major crime and incarcerated. Responsibility for operating and maintaining the family farm and raising the couple’s six…