The Thursday decision by 3rd District Judge Denise Lindberg comes in the wake of escalating disputes over United Effort Plan Trust land in Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz.
The communal property trust was formed by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Members consider sharing its assets a religious principle.
The court took control of the trust in 2005 amid allegations of mismanagement by church leaders.
Changes in the trust's administration, however, have allowed for former church members to use trust assets and led to problems between neighbors.
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