Bruce v. FEDERAL NAT. MORTG. ASS'N
352 S.W.3d 891
Tex. App.2011Background
- Bruce appeals forcible entry and detainer judgment awarding possession to Fannie Mae.
- Foreclosure under Deed of Trust sold property to Fannie Mae after Husband defaulted.
- Deed of Trust includes landlord-tenant provision creating tenancy at sufferance post-foreclosure.
- County court affirmed possession; awarded $1,000 in attorney's fees to Fannie Mae.
- Bruce argues lack of jurisdiction over title and improper attorney's fees; court disagrees on title but agrees on fee issue.
- Forcible detainer permits possession ruling without resolving title; attorney's fees require evidentiary support and reasonableness.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether jurisdiction to adjudicate possession requires title resolution | Bruce: possession depends on title | Fannie Mae: landlord-tenant basis permits possession without title | Jurisdiction to determine possession exists without title resolution. |
| Whether attorney's fees were supported by the record | Bruce: fees unsupported by pleadings/evidence | Fannie Mae: fees recoverable under statute; but no basis shown in record | Attorney's fees vacated; claim sustained. |
Key Cases Cited
- Rice v. Pinney, 51 S.W.3d 705 (Tex. App.-Dallas 2001) (forcible detainer; title issues may be separate; possessory right independent of title)
- Williams v. Bank of N.Y. Mellon, 315 S.W.3d 925 (Tex. App.-Dallas 2010) (possession rights not dependent on title in detainer actions)
- Haith v. Drake, 596 S.W.2d 194 (Tex.Civ.App.-Houston 1980) (requisites for jurisdiction when title disputes arise)
- Mitchell v. Armstrong Capital Corp., 911 S.W.2d 169 (Tex.App.-Houston 1995) (title disputes may affect jurisdiction depending on context)
- Rice v. Pinney (duplicate entry for emphasis), 51 S.W.3d 705 (Tex.App.-Dallas 2001) (jurisdictional framework for possessory actions)