Brooks v. Lowenstein Bros.

124 Ala. 158 | Ala. | 1899

TYSON, J.

— The bill in this cause was filed by several complainants, in behalf of themselves and such other creditors as may come in and make themselves parties. All of the complainants are simple contract creditors oí the respondent, except two, who are judgment creditors.

The purpose of the bill is to have declared fraudulent and void a certain conveyance of a storehouse and lot made by the respondent to his wife, or in the event it is a valid conveyance, to have it declared a general assignment for the benefit of all the respondent’s creditors. The allegations of the bill as to fraud are sufficiently stated, and the allegations of fact showing that the deed is a conveyance of substantially all of the defendant’s property are also sufficient. We will here add, that the prayer of the bill is to have the deed declared fraudulent and set aside, or in the event it is held valid, to be declared a general assignment.

• It is insisted by demurrer that Kirby, who it is shown by the averments of the bill was a membey of the firm of TI. O. Brooks & Co. Avhen the complainants’ debts were contracted and also liable to the complainants for their several debts, should have been made a party defendant to the bill. It is not shoAvn by the bill that Kirby was a party to the conveyance by which the property was conveyed by respondent, Brooks, to his Avife. On the contrary, a copy of the, deed is made an exhibit to the bill and the only parties to it as shown by it are Brooks, the grantor, and Ann M. Brooks, the grantee, the two respondents to the bill. The liability of Brooks & Co. to the complainants Avas joint and several. Brooks and Kirby can be sued either jointly or separately. Kirby having no interest in the property sought to be subjected to the satisfaction of the complainants’ debts, is not a necessary party, — Fox v. Mayer, 54 N. Y. 125.

.The next objection taken .to the bill by demurrer is, that there is a misjoinder of parties complainants in that two of them are shown by the bill to be judgment creditors of the respondent IT. C. Brooks. There is no merit in this objection.- — § 818 of Code; Steiner & Lobman v. Parker & Co., 108 Ala. 357.

The sixth ground of the demurrer to the bill, that its allegations arc inconsistent and repugnant, in that it attacks the validity of the conveyance of Brooks to his wife for fraud and also seeks to have it declared a general assignment, should have been sustained. — Moog v. Talcoti. 72 Ala. 210.

The decree of the lower court is reversed and one Avill be here rendered sustaining the demurrer. Leave will be granted to complainants to amend their bill within thirty days if they are so advised.

Reversed and rendered.