2014 Ohio 2824
Ohio Ct. App.2014Background
- Nationstar Mortgage filed foreclosure against Purnell and others; default judgment entered after failure to answer; Civ.R.60(B) relief motion filed and denied without hearing; appeal challenging denial; court held evidentiary hearing needed for merit; appellate court reverses for evidentiary hearing.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civ.R.60(B) grounds and hearing necessity | Nationstar argues movant meritorious defense; relief warranted | Purnell argues no meritorious defense and no entitlement to relief | Grant in part: evidentiary hearing required |
| Relief under Civ.R.60(B)(1) or (5) moot after ruling | Nationstar contends relief possible under grounds | Purnell contends not entitled to relief | moot after reversal for evidentiary hearing |
Key Cases Cited
- Griffey v. Rajan, 33 Ohio St.3d 75 (1987) ( governs standard for Civ.R.60(B) relief)
- Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217 (1983) (abuse of discretion requires more than mere error of law or judgment)
- GTE Automatic Electric Inc. v. ARC Industries, Inc., 47 Ohio St.2d 146 (1976) (meritorious defense and timely motion prerequisites for relief)
- Cogswell v. Cardio Clinic of Stark County, Inc., 1991 WL 242070 (1991) (hearing required where affidavits raise meritorious defense)
- BancOhio National Bank v. Schiesswohl, 51 Ohio App.3d 130 (1988) (hearing when affidavits show operative facts)