Abolt v. City of Fort Madison

This dissolution of marriage case comes to us with an unusual procedural history. The matter was tried to one judge and taken under advisement. Subsequently, for reasons not shown in the record, a second judge entered a decree disposing of the case. We conclude (1) this procedure deprived the parties of a hearing as guaranteed by the Due Process Clause, and (2) the second judge lacked authority to issue a ruling in this case. Therefore, we vacate the judgment and remand the case with instructions.