Ruling says state court can handle divorce of Indian man Eds: APNewsNow.

By CHET BROKAW Associated Press Writer PIERRE, S.D. (AP) The South Dakota Supreme Court has ruled that a state circuit court has jurisdiction to handle a divorce case involving an American Indian man and a non-Indian woman who lived on the Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation.

But the high court also says Circuit Judge Lori Wilbur of Pierre must hold hearings and enter written findings on factual and legal issues before giving a tribal court jurisdiction over some child custody issues.

Deann Langdeau filed for divorce in state court one day before Jeffrey Jay Langdeau filed for divorce in tribal court.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-12-08 1120CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list