Sunshine Ltd. Ctr. v. Kidztown Early Learning Ctr.
2013 Ohio 2092
Ohio Ct. App.2013Background
- Sunshine filed forcible entry and detainer for nonpayment; amended to add guarantors Perryman.
- Perryman and others attempted improper pro se pleadings; counsel later appeared but rents were not deposited with the court.
- Pretrials held; defendants failed to appear at a subsequent pretrial; Sunshine presented evidence for restitution.
- February 22, 2011: trial court granted Sunshine leave for second amended complaint; May 12, 2011: Perryman's answer stricken.
- June 8, 2011 onward: counsel eventually appeared; multiple default-judgment motions; magistrate recommended default; December 12, 2011: default judgment entered; December 14, 2011: motion for relief; August 1, 2012: final judgment correcting to all defendants; August 29, 2012: notice of appeal.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether default judgment proper under Civ.R.55(A) | Sunshine: defendants failed to plead/defend as required; they were given notice and opportunities. | Defendants argue relief under Civ.R.60(B) should apply to vacate judgment. | Yes, proper; Civ.R.55(A) satisfied; default judgment affirmed. |
Key Cases Cited
- GTE Automatic Elec., Inc. v. ARC Industries, 47 Ohio St.2d 146 (Ohio 1976) (conditions for relief from judgment under Civ.R.60(B))
- Rose Chevrolet, Inc. v. Adams, 36 Ohio St.3d 17 (Ohio 1988) (abuse-of-discretion standard for Civ.R.60(B))
- Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217 (Ohio 1983) (abuse-of-discretion standard; 객)
- Syphard v. Vrable, 141 Ohio App.3d 460 (7th Dist. 2001) (require operative facts for meritorious defense in Civ.R.60(B))
- Caruso-Ciresi, Inc. v. Lohman, 5 Ohio St.3d 64 (Ohio 1983) (Civ.R.60(B) catchall restrictions)