On Oct. 15, 2026, Indiana's three‑judge appellate panel affirmed a trial court ruling that ordered Stephen Dissette to pay $119,779 to former business partner Brandon Rudd for unpaid seminar commissions.
The dispute stemmed from a 2019 partnership in which Dissette and Rudd co‑hosted retirement‑planning seminars, with an unwritten understanding that commissions from client referrals would be split equally.
Indiana contract law treats oral agreements as enforceable if parties agree on essential terms and provide consideration. The appellate court found sufficient evidence—bank records, client transactions, and witness testimony—to establish a binding oral contract and to confirm the calculation of the $119,779 award.
Rudd, who filed the lawsuit, said the judgment vindicates his right to the agreed share of seminar revenue, while Dissette’s appeal was denied.
The decision underscores that informal business arrangements can be held to court when evidence of mutual assent exists, and Dissette has no further appeal pending, making the judgment final and enforceable.