Allen v. Rogers

| Iowa | Apr 13, 1869

Dillon, Ch. J.

practice• notice>'etltl0n: default. The attachment suit of Allen was commenced before the Revision, and sought simply to recover rent from Rogers. It was at law.

The cross petition is in equity, and is not simply a defensive proceeding, but relates to other matters than those set up in Allen’s suit for rent, and makes new parties.

The affidavit of Allen, and the circumstances disclosed in the record, show not only that Allen was never served with any formal notice of the equitable proceedings against him, but that he was, in fact, ignorant thereof; and his rights, by the decree in question, which, so far as relates to him, is wholly based upon ex parte evidence, have been injuriously affected.

His application to vacate this decree was made within a few days after he became aware of its existence. Even if it were conceded (which it is not) that Allen was bound to take notice of the -cross petition (the action having been brought under the Code of 1851), yet the circumstances under which it was filed and presented, as shown by the record and by the uncontroverted affidavit of Allen, give him a clear right to have the default set aside, and to be heard upon the merits.

It appears that Allen has ceased to have any interest in the property, having disposed of the same to Hussey, and, hence, did not look after the suit against Rogers, as he had made no service upon him.

After the lapse of nearly three years, the defendant files his answer and cross petition, the latter being in equity, making a new party, and praying affirmative relief. Of this, no notice is served upon,- or in any manner given to, Allen. This cross petition sleeps over four years longer, before any decree was taken, and the same was based upon ex parte testimony.

Without going more fully into the circumstances, this court is of opinion that the District Court should have allowed Allen an opportunity to be heard.

The cause will be remanded, with directions that this be done, unless appellee shall elect to cancel said decree, so far as it renders any personal judgment against Allen. If appellee shall choose to exonerate Allen from personal liability under the decree,'it will be affirmed; since Allen, according to his own showing, has no longer any interest in the property. Ordered accordingly.

Oole, J., having been of counsel, took no part in the decision of this case.