Lead Opinion
Opinion of the Court by
In the instant appeal, we consider whether the family court properly denied Geraldine Cvitanovich-Dubie’s (Geraldine) motion for relief from the divorce decree terminating her marriage to George Patrick Dubie (George). The motion alleged that Geraldine and George were never legally married, and that the property settlement agreements attendant to the divorce decree were procured through fraud on the court and undue influence.
Briefly stated, the family court granted Geraldine and George’s divorce in a November 28, 2003 Divorce Decree (11/28/03 Decree). George was subsequently shot and killed in Thailand on July 2, 2006. On June 28, 2007, Geraldine filed a motion to vacate the 11/28/03 Decree, or to set aside the corresponding property division, pursuant to Hawaii Family Court Rules (HFCR) Rule 60(b)(4) and (6), quoted infra. Geraldine argued, inter alia, that her marriage to George was void ab initio because George’s previous marriage had not ended in a valid divorce. Accordingly, Geraldine argued that she and George were not legally married at the time the family court entered the 11/28/03 Decree, and that the 11/28/03 Decree was therefore void for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.
The Family Court of the First Circuit (family court) denied Geraldine’s motion,
We conclude that the ICA did not err in affirming the family court’s order, but that its reasoning was erroneous in part. Specifically, the ICA held that Geraldine was es-topped from challenging the validity of George’s prior divorce, and thereby was es-topped from challenging the family court’s
For the reasons set forth below, we hold that the 11/28/03 Decree is not void under HFCR Rule 60(b)(4). We further hold that Geraldine’s claims of “fraud on the court” and undue influence are properly considered under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3), and are therefore untimely. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the ICA.
I. Background
The following factual background is taken from the record on appeal.
A. 11/28/03 Decree
Geraldine and George’s certificate of marriage indicates that they were married on May 1,1996. Geraldine filed a Complaint for Divorce on November 6, 2003, on the ground that the marriage between Geraldine and George was irretrievably broken.
Following a hearing, the family court filed the 11/28/03 Decree, in which it found “the material allegations of the Complaint for Divorce to be true, [Geraldine] is entitled to a divorce from the bonds of matrimony ... and the [family e]ourt has jurisdiction to enter this Divorce Decree.” The 11/28/03 Decree incorporated by reference “the Marital Agreement, signed on October 20, 2003, [the] First Amendment to Marital Agreement, signed on November 3, 2003, [the] Second Amendment to Marital Agreement, signed on November 7, 2003, and [the] Third Amendment to Marital Agreement, signed on November 7, 2003” (hereinafter collectively “Property Settlement Agreements”). The 11/28/03 Decree ordered that “[t]he parties are awarded all of their separate property,” and that “[a]ll joint property shall be divided equally,” except as set forth in the Property Settlement Agreements.
B. Rule 60 motion
1. Geraldine’s allegations and arguments
On June 28, 2007, Geraldine filed a motion to vacate the 11/28/03 Decree, or to set aside the corresponding property division, pursuant HFCR Rule 60(b)
In her Memorandum in Support of Motion, Geraldine alleged the following facts in support of her claims. Geraldine asserted that George was legally married to Sylvie Bertin (Sylvie) in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 2, 1989. Geraldine asserted that Sylvie “purported to obtain a divorce decree in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic” on Febi’uary 2, 1995 (Dominican Decree).
Geraldine further asserted that she met George in March 1996, and that George “intended to obtain her money and property.” Geraldine asserted that George therefore made factual representations to her, including that (1) he was independently wealthy; (2) he had authored numerous screen plays for well-known movies; (3) he had serious and/or fatal illnesses and diseases; and (4) his uses of her money were to her benefit. Geraldine further asserted that George concealed from her “that he had a criminal conviction, that there were unsatisfied civil judgments against him for more than a million dollars for fraud and undue influence, and that he had fathered at least nine children.”
Geraldine further asserted that, in 2002, George “began spending a considerable amount of time in Thailand,” where he obtained “items of value and real property” using Geraldine’s money. Geraldine asserted that, in 2003, George advised her that “for business and other reasons” they should divorce, but that the divorce would be temporary and they should not tell anyone of the divorce.
In support of these factual assertions, Geraldine submitted (1) a copy of George and Sylvie’s marriage certificate; (2) certified copies of two separate Judgments, Guilty Convictions and Probation Sentences, sentencing “George Dubie” on charges of theft in the first degree, to which he pled no contest; (3) a copy of a civil judgment against George in the amount of $1,705,594.44 in an unrelated civil case; (4) certified copies of Geraldine and George’s marriage license application and marriage certifícate, indicating that Geraldine and George were married on May 1,1996;
In her declaration, Geraldine stated, in pertinent part, as follows:
3. In or about March 1996, I met GEORGE [ ]. Prom the beginning of our relationship, GEORGE [] made factual representations to me regarding his financial worth, his business activities, his children and his marital status. These included, without limitation, representations that he was independently wealthy, that he was the author of numerous screen plays of well-known Hollywood movies, that he had four children, and that he was divorced from his previous wife Sylvie [ ]. GEORGE [] concealed the facts that he had a criminal conviction, that there were civil judgments against him, and that he had fathered at least nine children.
4. On or about April 30, 1996, a purported investigator named G. Kalani Long gave me a letter in which he advised me that he had conducted a background check on GEORGE [ ] on March 27, 1996; that he had checked publicly available records in the State of Hawaii with regal’d to whether GEORGE [ ] had a criminal record and whether there had been civil judgments entered against him and that the results of the investigation were that GEORGE [] had no criminal record and that there were no civil judgments against him.
5. GEORGE [ ] and I went through a marriage ceremony on May 1,1996. From and after that date, I thought and believed that GEORGE [] and I had been legally married on May 1,1996.
6. I relied on the factual representations as set forth above. Had I known the truth, I would not have consented to marry GEORGE [].
7. Shortly after my marriage to GEORGE [], he introduced me to Sylvie [].
8. Beginning around 2002, GEORGE [] began spending a considerable amount of time in Thailand, where, on information and belief, he invested in, purchased, or otherwise obtained items of value and real property, using money obtained from me. He represented to me that each item he purchased or invested in belonged equally to both of us and that all uses of and investments of my money created an ownership interest in my favor and therefore that they were of benefit to myself and/or would be returned to me.
9. In 2003, he represented to me that for business and other reasons, we should obtain a divorce, but that the divorce would be only temporary, that we would soon remarry, and that therefore, we shouldn’t tell others of the divorce and should continue to live as we had throughout our marriage. I believed him and agreed to do so. GEORGE [ ] caused me to agree to transfer real property, personal property and other things of value to him via contracts, some of which became incorporated in what purported to be a decree of divorce issued by the [family court] and some of which were post-divorce decree transfers.
10. Not until months after GEORGE [ ]’s death did I become aware that GEORGE [ ] had not been validly divorced from Sylvie [] at the time of the May 1, 1996 ceremony.
11. It was only after GEORGE []’s death in July of 2006 that I became aware how he had manipulated me through false statements, false promises, and other devices and techniques to transfer property (real and personal) and things of value to him in the course of our divorce proceedings. But for his manipulations of me, false statements, false promises and other tactics employed by him, and my trust in him, I would not have agreed to these transfers.
[[Image here]]
a. It is my opinion that [Geraldine] was susceptible to manipulation and undue influence at the time she met [George] in 1996 due to certain factors in her background and certain life circumstances existing at that time.
b. It is my opinion that [Geraldine] expected honesty and truthfulness from [George]; however, he engaged in manipulative, deceptive and misleading behaviors in order to benefit himself. Such behaviors included the willful presentation of false information (“lying”); and withholding relevant information, presenting partial truths, and/or taking statements out of context (“paltering”). Through his lying and paltering, [George] used several manipulative tactics and created situations commonly employed by cult leaders, scam artists, and perpetrators of undue influence.
e. Because of [George’s] lies and pal-ters, [Geraldine] based decisions about him and his requests upon misleading, inadequate, and/or inaccurate information.
d.[Geraldine] was made to believe that certain actions were critical to her husband’s health and their happiness as a couple. This consideration overwhelmed all others, including the input from legal advisors or accountants.
e. It is my opinion that [Geraldine] was subjected to the psychological and interpersonal conditions associated with undue influence.
f. It is my opinion, to a reasonable degree of medical probability, that all of [Geraldine’s] major transactions involving [George], including property transfers, occurred as a result of his manipulation and use of undue influence tactics. This includes the period from them wedding until his death.
With regard to Rule 60(b)(4), Geraldine argued that the Dominican Decree was invalid because the Dominican court “lacked jurisdiction.” Alternatively, Geraldine argued that, even if the Dominican Decree were valid under the laws of the Dominican Republic, it would not be entitled to comity.
Alternatively, Geraldine argued that the family court should set aside the property division portion of the 11/28/03 Decree pursuant to Rule 60(b)(6), on the ground that George “exercised undue influence in obtaining the property division,” and “because the marriage was bigamous, and because [George] committed fraud on the [e]ourt.” With regard to her allegations of “fraud on the court,” Geraldine argued that George “coneeal[ed] the fact that he had never divorced Sylvie [], thereby claiming a status and identity (i.e., a married man) to gain access to [the family court] so he could use it as a device to improperly obtain [Geraldine’s] assets.”
With regard to her allegations of undue influence, Geraldine asserted that George “was an exceptionally effective manipulator .... [and] the scale of his deception and the techniques he used were extraordinary.” Geraldine asserted that the Property Settlement Agreements showed that Geraldine transferred “property, money, and other things of value to [George] for no consideration, all within an extremely short period of time.” Geraldine further asserted that she “understood and believed that the divorce was only temporary[,]” and that she “did not
2. Nancy’s Memorandum in Opposition
In her Memorandum in Opposition to Geraldine’s Rule 60 motion, Nancy, as Personal Representative of George’s estate, asserted that (1) George and Sylvie were married on October 2, 1989 in Honolulu, Hawai'i; (2) a Dominican Republic court granted a divorce decree terminating George and Sylvie’s marriage on February 7, 1995; (3) while residing in Hawai'i, George introduced Geraldine to Sylvie; (4) George and Geraldine’s completed Marriage License Application indicated that George’s former marriage ended in 1995 in the Dominican Republic; (5) Geraldine signed the Marriage License Application and swore under oath that the information contained therein was true and correct; (6) George and Geraldine participated in a ceremonial marriage on May 1, 1996; (7) at the time of the marriage ceremony, Geraldine had actual or constructive knowledge of the Dominican Decree and that it was obtained in the Dominican Republic; (8) Geraldine and George subsequently met with Sylvie and Felicia Dubie (Felicia) (daughter of George and Sylvie) in Ottawa in 1997 and in Disneyworid in 1998; (9) Gerqldine became close with Felicia and established a QTIP trust naming the children of George and Sylvie as beneficiaries; (10) Geraldine filed for a divorce from George in November 2003; and (11) after entry of the 11/28/03 Decree, Geraldine continued to portray herself as married to George “in order to protect her image, as well as the image of her company[.]”
With regard to Rule 60(b)(4), Nancy argued that Geraldine’s assertions concerning the invalidity of her marriage to George were without merit. Specifically, Nancy argued that the Dominican Decree was valid and that, in any event, Geraldine did not have standing to collaterally attack the Dominican Decree. Nancy further argued that Geraldine was estopped from challenging the validity of her marriage to George.
With regard to Rule 60(b)(6), Nancy argued that Geraldine’s allegations “amount[ed] to a claim for relief based on ‘fraud[,]’” and therefore fell under Rule 60(b)(3), rather than Rule 60(b)(6). Nancy further argued that Geraldine’s motion was untimely because it was not filed within one year of the 11/28/03 Decree, as required for motions brought pursuant to Rule 60(b)(3).
3. Subsequent proceedings
The family court held a hearing on Geraldine’s Rule 60 motion on October 8, 2007.
In addition, the parties presented some argument as to whether the family court was required to hold an evidentiary hearing on Geraldine’s Rule 60 motion. For example, counsel for Nancy argued that, “[s]ince under Ahlo [v. Ahlo,
Counsel for Nancy later reiterated:
First of all, the Hawaii Supreme Court has already spoken about the procedure that we’re here on today. Hayashi ..., essentially citing Ahlo ... says the trial court may deny relief under Rule [60(b) ] without holding a hearing, and they decide the issue on the basis of papers submitted. This went back to the Ahlo case that essentially said the family court is not required to hold a hearing in deciding whether or not to grant relief under Rule 60. [10 ]
Counsel for Geraldine did not move for or otherwise request an evidentiary hearing. To the contrary, counsel for Geraldine stated during his argument:
And I think we can get rid of this whole thing when you grant summary judgment to us on [the Rule 60(b)(4) ] part of it. Bifurcate the [Rule 60(b)(6) ] part which is the labor intensive evidentiary part that you really would rather not have to do because it’s going to take a long time and that’s what we’re gonna do in the circuit court is that case.[11 ] Bifurcate the [60(b)(4) ], [60(b)(6) ]. You grant summary judgment under [60(b)(4) ], we’re outta here.
The family court did not orally rule on Geraldine’s Rule 60 motion. On December 18, 2007, the family court entered its “Order Denying Plaintiffs Motion for Post-Decree Relief to Vacate Divorce Decree or Set Aside Property Division Pursuant to Hawaii Family Court Rule 60[ (b) ], Filed June 28, 2007.” Geraldine timely filed a notice of appeal and, on February 25, 2008, the family court entered its Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (FOF/COL) with respect to Geraldine’s claims. The family court’s FOFs/COLs provided, in pertinent part, as follows:
III. FINDINGS OF FACT[]
5. George [] married Sylvie [] on October 2,1989 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
6. On February 7, [sic] 1995, the [Dominican] court granted [the Dominican] Decree, terminating the marriage between [George] and Sylvie[.]
7. Notice of the [Dominican] Decree was mailed to [George] that same day.
8. The [Dominican] Decree became a definite and final ruling on the date of pronouncement, April 24,1995.
9. Neither [George] nor Sylvie filed an appeal to set aside the [Dominican] Decree.
10. The time-period [sic] to appeal the [Dominican] Decree elapsed on April 7, 1995, two months after the [Dominican] Decree was entered.
11. From February 2, 1995 until present, Sylvie relied upon the validity of the [Dominican] Decree entered by the [Dominican court].
12. Ever since the [Dominican] Decree was entered, Sylvie has held herself out as being divorced from [George].
13. Prior to [Geraldine’s Rule 60 motion], at no time did anyone ever question the validity of the [Dominican] Decree.
14. Sylvie did not question the validity of the [Dominican] Decree because when purchasing a home in 1995, Sylvie successfully proved the validity of the [Dominican] De*137 cree to an attorney in the province of Quebec, Canada.
15. In reliance on the [Dominican] Decree, Sylvie and [George’s] daughter, Felicia (“Felicia”), had her last name changed to “Dubie” so that she would be able to live with her father.
16. In 1995, the U.S. Embassy certified and recognized the [Dominican] Decree by acknowledging the Dominican Republic divorce procedures.
17. In or around March 1996, after his divorce from Sylvie, [George] and [Geraldine] met. [Geraldine] is co-founder of the diet herbal supplement company, “Herbal-ife.”
18. Shortly thereafter, while residing in Hawai'i, [George] introduced [Geraldine] to Sylvie.
19. With full knowledge of the [Dominican] Decree, on or about April 30, 1996, [Geraldine] completed and submitted a Marriage License Application to the Department of Health for the State of Ha-wai'i.
20. The application for marriage license indicated that [George’s] marriage to Sylvie ended in divorce in 1995 in the Dominican Republic, Caribbean.
21. [Geraldine] signed the Marriage License Application and swore under oath that the information contained in the application was true and correct to the best of her knowledge.
22. On May 1, 1996, [George] and [Geraldine] participated in a ceremonial marriage performed by a person duly authorized to perform marriages in the State of Hawai'i.
23. At the time of the marriage ceremony, [Geraldine] had knowledge, or at least, had constructive knowledge of the [Dominican] Decree and that it was obtained in the Dominican Republic.
24. In the following few years, [George] and [Geraldine] met with Sylvie and Felicia in Ottawa in 1997, and in Disneyworld in 1998.
25. Based on Sylvie’s meetings with [George] and [Geraldine], Sylvie had an opportunity to observe [George] and [Geraldine’s] relationship. [George] relied upon the validity of the [Dominican] Decree and held himself out as being divorced. Sylvie also observed that after [George] and [Geraldine] were married, they acted like a married couple, lived together and introduced each other as husband and wife.
26. [Geraldine] established a Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust (“QTIP Trust”) and named Sylvie and [George’s] children as beneficiaries of the QTIP Trust.
27. In November 2003, [Geraldine] filed a petition for divorce and the [family court] granted it on November [28], 2003.
28. After the [11/28/03 Decree] was entered, [Geraldine] continued to portray the image that she and [George] were still married in order to protect her image as well as the image of her company, “Her-balife.”
29. On July 2, 2006, [George] was shot and killed in Thailand. A Report of Death of An American Citizen was filed on November 8,2006.
[IV.] CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
30. The [family court] has subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction over the parties pursuant to HRS § 580-1.
31. [Geraldine’s] claims sound in fraud or other intentional misconduct, and therefore are time-barred pursuant to [HFCR Rule] 60(b)(3).
32. Determining whether a judgment should be set aside pursuant to Rule 60(b) of the [HFCR] is not a matter of discretion.
33. In the sound interest of finality, the concept of a void judgment must be narrowly restricted.
34. [Geraldine] does not have standing to collaterally attack the validity of the [Dominican] Decree in the [family court].
35. The [Dominican] Decree is recognized by the [family court] under the principle of comity. The [11/28/03 Decree] is not void ab initio and should not be set aside.
36. The facts in this case are not enough to overcome the presumption of validity of [Geraldine’s] marriage to [George].
*138 37. [George] and [Geraldine’s] marriage is not void because the purported impediment-the alleged bigamous marriage-was eliminated by [George’s] death.
38. The [Dominican] Decree cannot be set aside based on the principle of res judicata.
39. [Geraldine] is estopped from asserting that [her] marriage to [George] is void based on the principle of estoppel and unclean hands.
40. Property settlement agreements between husband and wife made in contemplation of divorce or judicial separation are favored by the courts and will be strictly enforced if fair and equitable and not against public policy.
41. The property division portion of a Divorce Decree is an enforceable contract and should not be set aside.
42. [Geraldine’s] assertion to set aside the property division portion of the [11/28/03 Decree] is really a creditor’s claim which should be decided by the probate court.
43. [George] and [Geraldine] are at the very least, putative spouses for purposes of this court deciding property division issues.
44. [Geraldine’s] claims to set aside the [11/28/03 Decree] and the [11/28/03 Decree’s] property division portion are based on fraud and are therefore barred by the one-year statute of limitations pursuant to Rule 60(b)(3) of the [HFCR].
(Formatting altered) (citations omitted).
C. ICA Appeal
In her Opening Brief, Geraldine alleged that the family court erred in (1) refusing to vacate the 11/28/03 Decree because it was void; (2) denying relief or an evidentiary hearing pursuant to HFCR Rule 60(b)(6); (3) entering FOFs 6-8, 10-17, 19, 22-23, 25, and 27-28; and (4) entering COLs 30-32, and 34-44.
In her Answering Brief, Nancy essentially reiterated the arguments she presented in the family court. Nancy further argued that Geraldine was not entitled to an evidentiary hearing on her Rule 60(b)(6) motion, insofar as the ICA held in Hayashi that the family court may decide a Rule 60(b)(6) motion without a hearing.
Geraldine did not raise any substantively new arguments in her Reply Brief.
The ICA filed its published opinion in the instant case on April 12, 2010. Cvitanovich-Dubie,
The ICA further held that Geraldine’s claims of fraud and undue influence fell under Rule 60(b)(3). Id. at 281-82,
[Rule 60(b)(3)] does not specify upon whom the adverse party must have committed the fraud, misrepresentation, or other misconduct. Therefore, although Geraldine characterizes [George’s] alleged fraud as “fraud on the court,” that fraud claim nevertheless still falls under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3). Further, a plain reading of HFCR Rule 60(b) reveals that “undue influence” falls within Rule 60(b)(3) as “other misconduct.”
Id. at 282,
The ICA further noted that Geraldine’s claims were filed more than one year after
In light of the foregoing, the ICA did not address the remaining issues raised by Geraldine in her Opening Brief. On May 3, 2010, the ICA filed its judgment affirming the family court’s “Order Denying Plaintiffs Motion for Post-Decree Relief to Vacate Divorce Decree or Set Aside Property Division Pursuant to Hawaii Family Court Rule 60 [ (b) ], Filed on June 28,2007.”
D.Geraldine’s application for a writ of certiorari
Geraldine timely filed an application for a writ of certiorari on July 29, 2010. Nancy timely filed a response on August 12, 2010.
In her application, Geraldine presents the following questions:
A. Are estoppel or quasi estoppel available as affirmative defenses to bar relief from a clearly void ab initio Hawaii divorce decree, where allowing estoppel would vitalize that which multiple Hawaii statutes declare void, legalize what public policy and the law have forbidden, and violate this [c]ourt’s holdings in Godoy v. County of Hawaii,44 Haw. 312 ,354 P.2d 78 (1960) and Alvarez Family Trust v. Ass’n of Owners,121 Hawai'i 474 ,221 P.3d 452 [ (2009) ]?
B. Is the application of quasi estoppel in this case inconsistent with this [c]ourt’s holding, in Yuen Shee v. London [Guarantee] and Accident,40 Haw. 213 (1953), and in facial violation of Anderson v. Anderson,59 Haw. 575 ,585 P.2d 938 (1978)?
C. Did the Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA) commit grave error when it afforded practical recognition to a void ab initio foreign divorce decree?
D. Did the ICA commit grave error when it affirmed estoppel in favor of a litigant with unclean hands as a matter of law, and against one whose hands were clean as a matter of law?
E. Did the ICA commit grave error when it held that the standard of review for findings of fact entered in the absence of any evidentiary hearing is clearly erroneous, rather than de novo, and refused to consider “the weight of the evidence” and the “credibility” of witnesses when there was no live testimony?
F. Did the ICA commit grave error when it held that undue influence and fraud on the court fall within HFCR Rule 60(b)(3), rather than HFCR Rule 60(b)(6), and that the alternative relief sought — i.e., to set aside the property settlement portion of the decree — was therefore time barred?
II. Standards of Review
A. HFCR Rule 60(b)(4) motions
Under Rule 60(b)(4),
The determination of whether a judgment is void is not a discretionary issue. It has been noted that a judgment is void only if the court that rendered it lacked jurisdiction of either the subject matter or the parties or otherwise acted in a manner inconsistent with due process of law.
In re Hana Ranch Co.,
Accordingly, we review the family court’s denial of a HFCR Rule 60(b)(4) motion de novo.
B. HFCR Rule 60(b)(6) motions
The family court’s denial of a motion under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6) is reviewed for abuse of discretion. Pratt v. Pratt,
[s]ince Rule 60(b)(6) relief is contrary to the general rule favoring finality of actions, the court must carefully weigh all of the conflicting considerations inherent in such applications. Once the court has made a determination to grant or deny relief, the exercise of its discretion will not be set aside unless the appellate court is persuaded that, under the circumstances of the ease, the court abused its discretion.
“[A]n abuse of discretion occurs where the trial court has clearly exceeded the bounds of reason or disregarded rules or principles of law or practice to the substantial detriment of a party litigant.” Buscher v. Boning,
III. Discussion
Geraldine’s Rule 60 motion sought relief on alternative grounds pursuant to Rule 60(b)(4) and Rule 60(b)(6). With regard to Rule 60(b)(4), Geraldine argued in the family court that the 11/28/03 Decree was void on the ground that Geraldine and George were never legally married because the Dominican Decree was void. The family court denied Geraldine’s motion in this respect on several grounds, including that the Dominican Decree was entitled to comity, and that Geraldine was estopped from challenging the validity of the Dominican Decree. On appeal, the ICA affirmed, concluding that Geraldine was estopped from challenging the validity of the Dominican Decree. Cvitanovich-Dubie,
Alternatively, Geraldine argued in the family court that the property division portion of the 11/28/03 Decree should be set aside under Rule 60(b)(6), on the ground that the property division was the result of “fraud on the court” and “undue influence.” The family court denied Geraldine’s motion in this respect, finding that Geraldine’s claims “sound[ed] in fraud or other intentional misconduct[,]” and were therefore barred by the one-year limitation on motions brought pursuant to Rule 60(b)(3). The ICA affirmed, concluding that Geraldine’s claims of “fraud on the court” and “undue influence” fell within Rule 60(b)(3) and were accordingly untimely. Id. at 281-82,
A. Geraldine could not be estopped from challenging the family court’s jurisdiction to enter the 11/28/03 Decree
The ICA held that the circuit court erred in COL 35 in recognizing the Dominican Decree on the basis of comity, id. at 273-75,
However, Geraldine argued that the invalidity of the Dominican Decree deprived the family court of jurisdiction to enter the 11/28/03 Decree. “[I]t is well-settled that subject-matter jurisdiction cannot be conferred upon a court by agreement, stipulation, or consent of the parties[.]” Gilmartin v. Abastillas,
Accordingly, Geraldine could not be es-topped from challenging the family court’s jurisdiction to enter the 11/28/03 Decree. The ICA’s determination that Geraldine was estopped from challenging the Dominican Decree thus cannot resolve whether the 11/28/03 Decree is void for lack of subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to HFCR Rule 60(b)(4), and the ICA erred in failing to address that issue.
B. The 11/28/03 Decree is not void under Rule 60(b)(4)
Geraldine argues that the family court’s 11/28/03 Decree is void because, as a result of the invalid Dominican Decree, she and George were not legally married, and the family court lacked jurisdiction to enter a divorce decree involving unmarried persons. We conclude that Geraldine’s arguments do not fall within the scope of Rule 60(b)(4).
“In the sound interest of finality, the concept of a void judgment must be narrowly restricted.” Dillingham Inv. Corp. v. Kunio Yokoyama Trust,
The determination of whether a judgment is void is not a discretionary issue. It has been noted that a judgment is void only if the court that rendered it lacked jurisdiction of either the subject matter or the parties or otherwise acted in a manner inconsistent with due process of law.[14 ] Wright & Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure: Civil s 2862 (1973). Other authorities, cognizant of the extraordinary remedy afforded by the rule and the need to narrowly define it, have stated:
In brief, then, except for the rare case where power is plainly usurped, if a court has the general power to adjudicate the issues in the class of suits to which the case belongs then its interim orders and final judgment, whether right or wrong, are not subject to collateral attack ....
In re Hana Ranch Co.,
It should be noted that this court has concluded that a judgment was void under Rule 60(b)(4) on only one occasion. In Stafford v. Dickison,
In the instant ease, there can be no question that Geraldine’s Complaint for Divorce was “in the class of suits” that the family court “has the general power to adjudicate.” See Dillingham Inv. Corp.,
Geraldine filed her Complaint for Divorce on November 6, 2003. By signing the Complaint, Geraldine “declare[d], under penalty of perjury, that the statements made [therein were] true and correct to the best of [her] knowledge, information and belief.” The Complaint read in pertinent part as follows:
1. Jurisdiction.
I and/or my spouse, the Defendant, have lived or have been physically present in the State of Hawai'i for a continuous period of at least six (6) months and I have lived and/or been physically present on the Island of 0‘ahu for a continuous period of at least three (3) months immediately preceding this application.
2. Marriage
The parties (plaintiff and spouse) are lawfully married to each other.
[[Image here]]
8. Grounds
Pursuant to HRS Section 580-41, I allege that the grounds for divorce are as follows ...
X The marriage is irretrievably broken.
[[Image here]]
It is requested of the Court:
That a decree be entered granting a divorce from the bonds of matrimony....
On November 7, 2003, George filed an Appearance and Waiver, acknowledging receipt of a filed copy of the Complaint and Summons in the divorce action, and consenting to a hearing of the complaint without his presence.
Based on the foregoing, the family court did not “plainly usurp[ ]” power in granting the 11/28/03 Decree. See Dillingham Inv. Corp.,
Nevertheless, Geraldine argues that the 11/28/03 Decree is void because “divorce presupposes and requires a valid marriage.” Geraldine further argues that the 11/28/03 Decree is void pursuant to HRS § 1-6, which provides that “[wjhatever is done in contravention of a prohibitory law is void, although the nullity be not formally directed.” Put another way, Geraldine argues that her marriage was bigamous and therefore violated prohibitory law, and that the marriage was therefore void ab initio pursuant to HRS § 1-6.
Assuming arguendo that the question of whether a marriage is valid goes to the family court’s jurisdiction to enter a divorce,
Accordingly, although the ICA erred in its reasoning, it did not err in affirming the family court’s order denying Geraldine’s motion under Rule 60(b)(4).
C. Geraldine’s claims of “fraud on the court” and “undue influence” fall within Rule 60(b)(3) and are therefore untimely
In addition to her argument under Rule 60(b)(4), Geraldine argues that the Property Settlement Agreements attendant to the 11/28/03 Decree should be set aside under Rule 60(b)(6) because they were the result of George’s “fraud upon the court” and “undue influence.” However, the ICA concluded that Rule 60(b)(3) applies to those claims. Cvitanovich-Dubie,
Rule 60(b)(3) provides that the court may relieve a party of a final judgment for the reasons of “fraud (whether heretofore denominated intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party.” Under Rule 60(b)(3), a motion for relief from judgment must be made “not more than one year after the judgment, order, or proceedings was entered or taken.” Rule 60(b)(3).
In contrast, Rule 60(b)(6) provides that the court may relieve a party of a final judgment for “any other reason justifying reliefl.]” A motion for relief under Rule 60(b)(6) must be made “within a reasonable time.” Rule 60(b). The ICA has explained that, in bringing a motion under Rule 60(b)(6), a movant must meet three threshold requirements: “the movant must show that (1) the motion is based on some reason other than those specifically stated in clauses 60(b)(1) through (5); (2) the reason urged is such as to justify the relief; and (3) the motion is made within a reasonable time.” Hayashi,
In the instant ease, Geraldine filed her Rule 60 motion on June 28, 2007, more than three years after the family court’s 11/28/03 Decree. Accordingly, if her claims are construed as falling within the provisions of Rule 60(b)(3), her Rule 60 motion was untimely. See Rule 60(b). In contrast, if Geraldine’s claims are construed as falling within the provisions of Rule 60(b)(6), relief is available if the court finds her motion was made “within a reasonable time,” and there are “reason[s] justifying relief.” See Rule 60(b); see also Hayashi, 4 Haw.App. at 290-91,
As set forth below, Geraldine’s claims of “fraud upon the court” and “undue influence” fall within the provisions of Rule 60(b)(3) and are therefore untimely.
1. Fraud on the court
This court has noted that, “[s]ince the remedy for fraud on the court is far reaching, it only applies to very unusual cases involving ‘far more than an injury to a single litigante,]’ but rather, a ‘corruption of the judicial process itself.’ ” Schefke v. Reliable Collection Agency, Ltd.,
This court has similarly explained that:
Not any fraud connected with the presentation of a case amounts to fraud on the court. It must be a “direct assault on the integrity of the judicial process.” Courts have required more than nondisclosure by a party or the party’s attorney to find fraud on the court. Examples of such fraud include “bribery of a judge,” and “the employment of counsel in order to bring an improper influence on the court.”
Schefke,
Here, the record does not establish that George knew the Dominican Decree was invalid, or that he deliberately misrepresented his marital status to the family court.
Geraldine cites several eases which she suggests stand for the proposition that her claim is properly considered under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6). However, these cases are in-apposite and accordingly do not support Geraldine’s position.
Accordingly, the ICA did not err in holding that the family court did not abuse its discretion in denying Geraldine relief in this respect.
2. “Undue influence”
The ICA concluded that “a plain reading of HFCR Rule 60(b) reveals that
Rule 60(b)(3) allows a party to move for relief from judgment on the basis of “fraud ..., misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party[.]” Rule 60(b)(6) allows a party to move for relief for “any other reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment.” (Emphasis added). Thus, in order to take advantage of the potentially more lenient timeliness provisions in clause (6), “the motion must be based upon some reason other than those stated in clauses (1) through (5).” Child Support Enforcement Agency,
Moreover, because HFCR Rule 60(b) was patterned after FRCP Rule 60(b),
[exceptions to this general rule were the utilization, under certain circumstances, of the ancillary remedies of coram nobis, co-ram vobis, audita querela, bill of review and bill in the nature of a bill of review— remedies which had grown up to give relief after term time in certain limited situa*148 tions; the occasional utilization of the doctrine of the court’s inherent power over its judgments; and the independent action in equity to enjoin enforcement of a judgment.
Id. (footnote omitted).
When the FRCP were promulgated, they were “generally supposed to cover the field” concerning the practice for obtaining relief from judgments. Advisory Committee Notes to 1946 Amendment to FRCP Rule 60 (discussing the promulgation of the FRCP). However, a number of federal decisions initially concluded that efforts to obtain relief through the older ancillary and equitable remedies, such as a bill of review or coram nobis, were proper despite the adoption of the FRCP. See id.; see also Moore & Rogers,
Federal courts have indicated that “[FRCP] Rule 60(b)(3) is the lineal descendant of the equity rule that a court may alter or annul, because of fraud or undue influence, a written instrument (such as a contract or patent-but also a court’s own judgment), only if the fraud or undue influence is proved by clear and convincing evidence.”
Other states also appear to treat allegations of undue influence as “other misconduct of an adverse party” under provisions similar to HFCR Rule 60(b)(3). See, e.g., Self v. Maynor,
Geraldine relies on Hayashi,
Finally, although Geraldine argued in the ICA that the family court erred in failing to conduct an evidentiary hearing, she did not raise this issue in her application. Moreover, this argument is without merit. “The trial court may deny relief under Rule 60(b) without holding a hearing and may decide the issue on the basis of papers submitted.” Hayashi,
Accordingly, the ICA did not err in holding that the family court did not abuse its discretion in denying Geraldine relief in this respect.
IV. Conclusion
For the foregoing reasons, we hold that the 11/28/03 Decree is not void under HFCR Rule 60(b)(4). We further hold that Geraldine’s claims of “fraud on the court” and
Accordingly, the May 3, 2010 judgment of the ICA is affirmed.
Notes
. The Honorable R. Mark Browning presided.
. Unless otherwise indicated, all references herein to Rule 60(b) refer to the HFCR. HFCR Rule 60(b) provides for relief from a judgment or order as follows:
(b) Mistakes; Inadvertence; Excusable Neglect; Newly Discovered Evidence; Fraud. On motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or a party's legal representative from any or all of the provisions of a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following reasons: (1) mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect; (2) newly discovered evidence which by due diligence could not have been discovered in time to move for a new trial under Rule 59(b); (3) fraud (whether heretofore denominated intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party; (4) the judgment is void; (5) the judgment has been satisfied, released, or discharged, or a prior judgment upon which it is based has been reversed or otherwise vacated, or it is no longer equitable that the judgment should have prospective application; or (6) any other reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment. The motion shall be made within a reasonable time, and for reasons (1), (2), and (3) not more than one year after the judgment, order, or proceedings was entered or taken. For reasons (1) and (3) the averments in the motion shall be made in compliance with Rule 9(b) of these rules. A motion under this subdivision (b) does not affect the finality of a judgment or suspend its operation. This rule does not limit the power of a court to entertain an independent action to relieve a party from a judgment, order, or proceeding, or to set aside a judgment for fraud upon the court.
(Emphasis added).
. Geraldine had previously filed a Motion for Substitution of Parties to Pursue Post Decree Relief, seeking to substitute Nancy Dubie (Nancy), as Personal Representative of George’s estate, as a defendant. It appears that the family court orally granted the substitution during an October 8, 2007 hearing on Geraldine's motions, inasmuch as the family court stated that it was
.The parties variously refer to the date of the Dominican Decree as February 2, 1995 or February 7, 1995. It appears that the judgment of the Dominican court was entered on February 2, 1995, and that a Notice of Judgment was issued on February 7, 1995. For purposes of this opinion, we consider the date of the Dominican Decree to be the date of the Dominican court’s judgment, or February 2, 1995.
. In the Marriage License Application from the Hawai'i State Department of Health, George indicated that his most recent marriage had ended in divorce in September 1995 in the "Dominican Rep., Carribean [sic].”
. The Variation of Separation Agreement, which was filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia on October 23, 1996, amended a prior June 9, 1995 Separation Agreement and altered Sylvie and George's agreement with regard to custody of their daughter. In the Variation of Separation Agreement, Sylvie is denominated as "the Wife,” and George is denominated as "the Husband.”
. "Comity” means "[a] practice among political entities (as nations, states, or courts of different jurisdictions) involving esp. mutual recognition of legislative, executive, and judicial acts.” Black’s Law Dictionary 303 (9th ed. 2009).
On appeal, the ICA concluded that the Dominican Decree was not entitled to recognition on the basis of comity. Cvitanovich-Dubie,
. In support of these assertions, Nancy relied on, inter alia, Sylvie's sworn declaration, which was included as an exhibit to Nancy’s Memorandum in Opposition. Although Geraldine has presented various challenges to the family court’s reliance on Sylvie’s declaration in its findings of fact, we do not rely on the assertions set forth in Sylvie’s declaration in reaching our decision. Accordingly, we need not address whether the family court erred in relying on facts set forth in Sylvie’s declaration.
. At the same hearing, the family court also heard Geraldine’s motion to substitute Nancy as the defendant in this case.
. These arguments were made in relation to Nancy's opposition to Geraldine's motion for substitution. Nancy argued that, because Geraldine had failed to make a threshold showing that she was entitled to relief under Rule 60(b), it was not necessary for the family court to grant the motion for substitution. Specifically, Nancy stated:
Under the papers, our arguments flow that this is not a void judgment and that their claim for fraud is time-barred and that Rule [60(b)(6) ] is not a valid option under the way they pled it. So, I don't think we need to substitute.
[[Image here]]
Now, if you decide to, after the Rule [60(b) ] threshold hearing if that’s decided in their favor, then yeah, obviously we have to substitute and proceed (indiscernible) whatever proceedings we end up going to and possibly for the purposes of taking an appeal as well (indiscernible) ....
. This appears to be a reference to either In re Estate of George Patrick Dubie, P. No. 06-1-0700, or Personal Prosperity, Inc. v. Dubie, Civil No. 07-1-2141-11 GWBC, both in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit.
. The ICA held that FOFs 11-16, 19, and 25, and a portion of FOF 23, were not clearly erroneous. Id. at 276-78,
. As set forth in the family court’s COLs, the family court provided several additional alternative grounds that could support its decision to deny Geraldine’s Rule 60(b)(4) motion, including that Geraldine did not have standing to collaterally attack the Dominican Decree in the family court. There is substantial case law dealing with each of these issues. See generally, R.F. Chase, Annotation, Domestic Recognition of Divorce Decree Obtained in Foreign Country and Attacked for Lack of Domicil or Jurisdiction of Parties,
. Geraldine has not argued that the family court lacked jurisdiction over the parties, or that the 11/28/03 Decree violated due process. Accordingly, we do not address these other two bases on which a judgment may be found void pursuant to HFCR Rule 60(b)(4).
. The ICA has explained that:
Rule 60(b), HFCR, is similar to Rule 60(b), [HRCP] and Rule 60(b), Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP), except for some minor variations which do not affect the provisions concerned here. Therefore, the treatises and cases interpreting HRCP, Rule 60(b) and FRCP, Rule 60(b) provide persuasive reasoning for the interpretation of HFCR 60(b).
Hayashi, 4 Haw.App. at 290 n. 6,
. We note that HRS § 580-1, concerning the jurisdiction of the family court, provides only that "[n]o absolute divorce from the bond of matrimony shall be granted for any cause unless either party to the marriage has been domiciled or has been physically present in the State for a continuous period of at least six months next preceding the application therefor.” (Emphasis added). HRS § 580-1 does not contain a jurisdictional requirement that the parties be lawfully married in order to seek a divorce. Rather, it appears that a valid marriage is more properly considered a substantive requirement for a valid divorce. See HRS § 580-1 (setting forth when the family court "shall decree a divorce from the bond of matrimony ”) (emphasis added); cf. Whitehead v. Whitehead,
Tagupa v. Tagupa,
On appeal, the ICA concluded that Ronnie-Jean and Vincent had not satisfied the requirements for a valid marriage contract because Ronnie-Jean still had a living lawful husband at the time of her marriage to Vincent. Id. at 465,
. Based on the foregoing, the ICA was not required to address whether Geraldine was es-topped from contesting the validity of the Dominican Decree. In addition, insofar as FOFs 11 through 16, 19, 25 and that part of FOF 23 concerning Geraldine’s knowledge of the Dominican Decree, go to either the validity of the Dominican Decree or Geraldine’s ability to collaterally attack the Dominican Decree, the ICA was not required to address Geraldine’s challenge to those FOFs. Accordingly, we do not address Geraldine’s challenges to the ICA’s application of quasi-estoppel, and need not resolve whether the ICA applied the proper standard of review in considering the family court's FOFs.
. We respectfully disagree with the dissent’s assertion that Geraldine established George's knowledge of the invalidity of the Dominican Decree through (1) Geraldine’s declaration that she realized, after George’s death, that George and Sylvie were not lawfully divorced; and (2) an attorney’s declaration that, in his view, the Dominican Decree was substantively invalid. Dissenting opinion at 163-64,
We also respectfully disagree with the dissent’s suggestion that George concealed his marital status from the family court during the divorce proceedings because he filed an appearance and waiver form, and because George indicated in that form that he agreed to the matters set forth in an agreement incident to divorce. Dissenting opinion at 164,
We further note that it was Geraldine, rather than George, who declared, under penalty of perjury, that ”[t]he parties ... [were] lawfully married to each other.” In contrast, none of George’s responsive submissions to the family court aver to the legality of his marriage to Geraldine.
. The dissent cites Kawamata Farms, Inc. v. United Agri Products,
In Southwest Slopes, the asserted fraud involved a potentially false affidavit by a party, as well as an apparently false affidavit and letter by the party’s attorney.
. Because we conclude that Geraldine’s claims do not constitute fraud on the court but rather "fraud ..., misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party” that is properly considered under Rule 60(b)(3), we do not resolve whether fraud on the court properly falls under Rule 60(b)(3) or Rule 60(b)(6). Although the dissenting opinion urges us to address this issue, dissenting opinion at 167 n. 22,
. In Kawamata Farms, this court held that a defendant's extensive discovery abuses constituted fraud on the court.
In Hazel-Atlas Glass Co. v. Hartford-Empire Co.,
In Geo. P. Reintjes Co. v. Riley Stoker Corp.,
Finally, in Southwest Slopes, the ICA vacated a grant of summary judgment in defendant's favor on direct appeal.
. We respectfully disagree with the dissent's assertion that we have "abandoned] established statutory construction rules” by relying on the plain language of Rule 60(b)(3). Dissenting opinion at 168,
Further, we respectfully disagree with the dissent’s assertion that undue influence does not fall under Rule 60(b)(3) because it is "based on conduct that is different from fraud and misrepresentation.” Dissenting opinion at 161,
23. The HFCR were patterned after the HRCP, which in turn were patterned after the FRCP. J. Gamer Anthony, Chairman, Hawai'i Procedural Rules Committee, Foreword to Hawai'i Rules of Civil Procedure, at ii (1953); Letter from the Honorable Paul C. Kokubun & V. Thomas Rice, Co-Chairmen, Hawai'i Family Court Rules Drafting Committee, to committee members (June 24, 1974) (attached to June 24, 1974 draft of HFCR). As discussed supra in note 15, the relevant portions of the current text of HFCR Rule 60(b) and FRCP Rule 60(b) are virtually identical.
. The dissent asserts that this statement by the Seventh Circuit is erroneous because it cites Hazel-Atlas Glass,
. We respectfully disagree with the dissent’s conclusion that these cases are "inapposite” and have no bearing on whether a claim of undue influence can be considered under Rule 60(b)(6). Dissenting opinion at 170-71,
. The Dominican decree states that George and Sylvie were divorced in February 1995.
. According to that court,
"Misconduct” does not demand proof of nefarious intent or purpose as a prerequisite to redress. For the term to have meaning in the Rule 60(b)(3) context, it must differ from both "fraud” and "misrepresentation.” Definition*168 of this difference requires us to take an expansive view of "misconduct.” The tenn can cover even accidental omissions — elsewise it would be pleonastic, because "fraud" and "misrepresentation" would likely subsume it.
Concurrence Opinion
Concurring and Dissenting Opinion by
I believe that jurisdiction over the divorce complaint filed by Petitioner/Plaintiff-Appellant Geraldine Cvitanovich-Dubie (Geraldine) existed in the family court of the first circuit (the court or the family court) for the reasons stated herein, but I respectfully dissent to the majority’s holding that Geraldine’s Hawaii Family Court Rules (HFCR) Rule 60(b) (2010) claims sounding in fraud on the court and undue influence are barred under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) because she failed to bring them within one year from the entry of judgment. In my view, her claims of fraud on the court and undue influence are both cognizable under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6). Accordingly, I would vacate the May 3, 2010 judgment of the Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA) and the December 18, 2007 order of the family court that held to the contrary, and remand to the court for a hearing on both claims.
I.
On October 2, 1989, George Patrick Dubie (George) and Sylvie Bertin (Sylvie) were legally married in Honolulu. Upon Sylvie’s application for divorce, in February 1995, a court in the Dominican Republic held a hearing and granted the divorce on the ground of incompatibility. The divorce decree listed Sylvie as being a domiciliary and resident of the West Indies, and Dubie as being a domiciliary and resident of California.
Neither party appealed from the divorce decree.
Four months later, in Canada, Sylvie and George entered into a separation agreement in which they referred to themselves as husband and wife.
In March 1996, Geraldine met George, and on April 30, 1996, they completed a marriage license application, in which George swore that his previous marriage had ended in divorce. George also indicated that his marriage to Geraldine was his twenty-third, and that his previous marriage had ended in September 1995 in the Dominican Republic.
Five months after Geraldine’s marriage to George, in October 1996, George and Sylvie amended their separation agreement by filing a “Variation of Separation Agreement” (amended separation agreement) in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, providing that their child’s principal place of residence was “with the Husband in Hawaii.”
In 2002, George began to spend time in Thailand, where, according to Geraldine, George used her money to invest in property. George allegedly told her that the property he had bought “belonged equally to both” of them. Geraldine stated that, in 2003, George suggested that they obtain a “temporary” divorce for business reasons, but keep the divorce secret and continue to live as though they were married.
On November 6, 2003, Geraldine filed a complaint for divorce. George received the complaint and summons, and submitted himself to the court’s jurisdiction by signing an appearance and waiver form and filing it with the court. In furtherance of the divorce, George and Geraldine entered into marital agreements involving property.
The court granted the divorce on November 28, 2003. Pursuant to the divorce decree, each party was to retain his or her separate property and an equal portion of the joint property, except as provided in their marital agreements. The decree incorporated George and Geraldine’s marital agreements.
On July 2, 2006, George died. According to Geraldine, only after George’s death did she realize that he had “manipulated [her] through false statements, false promises, and other devices and techniques to transfer
II.
In June 2007, Geraldine filed a motion for relief pursuant to HFCR Rule 60(b) (60(b) motion).
The 60(b) motion was based in part on the declarations attached thereto, “and evidence as may be submitted in supplementation of this Motion or at the hearing on this Motion[.]” In the memorandum accompanying the motion, Geraldine stated, “Space does not permit a detailed, fact-intensive showing in this Memorandum of all the particular ways in which the division was so inequitable, but this mil be shown in detail at the evidentia-ry hearing.” (Emphasis added.) In opposition, Nancy
On October 8, 2008, the court held a hearing on the motion for substitution and on the 60(b) motion. Geraldine’s counsel contended that substitution must be granted “whether [the court] ultimately grant[ed] the Rule 60 motion or not[,]” since the divorce created property rights that were not abated due to George’s death. Nancy’s counsel responded that the court did not have to substitute any parties because the judgment was not void, Geraldine’s claim “for fraud [was] time barred” and “Rule [60(b)(6) was] not a valid option[.]” According to Nancy’s counsel, the court was not required to hold a hearing and could decide the motion based on the papers; only if the court decided that a claim had merit should substitution occur. (Citing Hayashi v. Hayashi,
At the hearing in connection with the 60(b) motion, Geraldine argued that the court should bifurcate the proceedings, ruling on the 60(b)(4) ground first, and reserving the 60(b)(6) ground for an evidentiary hearing:
I think that the 60B.4 [sic] part of this case is amenable to summary judgment^] ...
And I think we can get rid of this whole thing when you grant summary judgment to us on that part of it. Bifurcate the 60(b)(6) part which is the labor intensive evidentiary part that you would rather not have to do because it’s going to take a long time, and that’s what we’re gonna do in the*152 circuit court is that ease. Bifurcate the 60B.4, 60B.6 [sic],
(Emphasis added.) Based on the foregoing, it was presumed that if the court ruled that the judgment was not void under HFCR Rule 60(b)(4) and that HFCR Rule 60(b)(6) was a valid option for the fraud on the court and undue influence claims, then the court would hold an evidentiary hearing on those claims.
On December 18, 2007, the court entered an order denying the 60(b) motion. In February 2008, the court filed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The court concluded, inter alia, that Geraldine’s marriage to George was not void, Geraldine was estopped from asserting that the marriage was void, and her claims to set aside the divorce decree were, in essence, based on fraud or other intentional misconduct, and barred by the one-year statute of limitations pursuant to HFCR Rule 60(b)(3). Geraldine appealed to the ICA, which affirmed the court. Geraldine filed an application for writ of certiorari (Application), arguing that the ICA erred in holding that she was estopped
III.
In her Application, Geraldine first argues that the Hawai'i divorce decree is void under HFCR Rule 60(b)(4), which, as noted supra, provides in pertinent part that “[o]n motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or a party’s legal representative from any or all of the provisions of a final judgment, order, or proceeding” because “the judgment is void [.] ” (Emphasis added.) HFCR Rule 60(b)(4) is nearly identical to Hawai'i Rules of Civil Procedure (HRCP) Rule 60(b)(4). Because the language is nearly identical, eases construing HRCP Rule 60(b)(4) are instructive in the analysis of HFCR Rule 60(b)(4). Under HRCP Rule 60(b)(4), “a judgment is void only if the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction, jurisdiction over the person, or violated due proeess[.]” Bank of Hawaii v. Shinn,
A.
Geraldine is not contending the court lacked personal jurisdiction over the parties or violated due process. However, she maintains the Hawai'i divorce decree is void (1) because the Dominican court lacked jurisdiction to enter a divorce decree for the two non-residents, George and Sylvie; (2) inasmuch as the Dominican court lacked jurisdiction, the Dominican divorce decree was void; (3) since the divorce was void, George and Sylvie were still married when George married Geraldine; (4) the George-Geraldine marriage was thus void ab initio inasmuch as Hawai'i law prohibits bigamy and George was still married to Sylvie; and (5) because the marriage was void in the first place, the court lacked jurisdiction to enter a divorce decree between Geraldine and George.
To the contrary, the court had subject matter jurisdiction because whether Geraldine and George were legally married was not a precondition to jurisdiction over the divorce complaint. Subject matter jurisdiction is defined as “[jurisdiction over the nature of the case and the type of relief sought; the extent to which a court can rule on the conduct of persons or the status of things.” Black’s Law Dictionary 931 (9th ed. 2009); see also County of Hawai’i v. C & J Coupe Family Ltd. P’ship,
The family court has jurisdiction, in pertinent part, over “all proceedings under chapter 580[.]” Hawai'i Revised Statutes (HRS) § 571-14(a)(3) (Supp.2003). As set forth in
Exclusive original jurisdiction in matters of annulment, divorce, and separation, ... is conferred upon the family court of the circuit in which the applicant has been domiciled or has been physically present for a continuous period for at least three months next preceding the application therefor. No absolute divorce from the bond of matrimony shall be granted for any cause unless either party to the marriage has been domiciled or has been physically present in the State for a continuous period of at least six months next preceding the application therefor.
(Emphases added.) Subject matter jurisdiction and “access to courts for divorce [are] governed by the first sentence of § 580-1[.]” Whitehead v. Whitehead,
The second sentence provides a “substantive requirement” for divorce, that “satisfaction of the [domicile or] residential requirement [for six months] is a condition to the granting of divorce by the court which has heard the case, not a condition which deprives a divorce applicant of a forum in which his case may be heard.” Whitehead,
Thus, “as long as [the applicant] was domiciled in Hawai'i [in the circuit embracing the family court] at the time she filed for divorce, i.e., she was physically present in Hawai'i with the intention of remaining indefinitely, the family court ha[s] subject matter jurisdiction to entertain the action.” Puckett,
B.
Subject matter jurisdiction over the complaint itself must not be confused with the elements of a successful complaint for divorce. Whitehead explains that a party alleging a Hawai'i domicile or continuous presence for three months who files a divorce complaint establishes the family court’s subject matter jurisdiction; to succeed on that complaint, however, a party must show the existence of domicile or continuous presence in Hawai'i for the necessary six-month period of time, the marriage relationship, and a ground for divorce:
An applicant for divorce who fails to prove a ground for divorce will not be granted a divorce because of failure to satisfy a substantive requirement for divorce. Similarly, an applicant who fails to prove that he has been domiciled or has been physically present in this State for [six months as set forth by statute] will not be able to obtain a divorce because of failure to satisfy a substnative [sic] requirement, not because he is denied access to court.
Whitehead,
Based on the foregoing, then, to be “granted” a divorce, the applicant must show (1) the parties were married; (2) domicile or continuous presence for six months in Ha-wai'i; and (3) one of four situations outlined
Here, a marriage is an element that must be proven to successfully obtain a divorce; it is not a jurisdictional prerequisite for the family court to entertain a divorce complaint under HRS §§ 580-1 and -41.
IV.
If the judgment is not void under HFCR Rule 60(b)(4), Geraldine argues that the court should have set aside the property division portion of the divorce decree under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6) because George (1) had committed fraud on the court, and/or (2) had exercised undue influence in obtaining the property division via the marital agreements. See supra note 2. To be successful in bringing a HFCR Rule 60(b)(6) motion, the mov-ant must show that “(1) the motion is based on some reason other than those specifically stated in clauses 60(b)(1) through (5); (2) the reason urged is such as to justify the relief; and (3) the motion is made within a reasonable time.”
V.
Geraldine argued that George committed fraud on the court “by concealing the fact that he had never divorced Sylvie [ ], thereby claiming a status and identity (i.e., a married man) to gain access to [the] court so he could use it as a device to improperly obtain [Geraldine’s] assets.” The court determined that Geraldine’s claim “sound[s] in fraud or other intentional misconduct,” and therefore was barred by the one year limitation under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3). Similarly, the ICA concluded that Geraldine’s assertion of fraud on the court fell within the general category of “fraud” under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3), Cvitanovich-Dubie v. Dubie,
A.
This court has not definitively addressed the issue of whether fraud on the court is a category of “fraud” under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3), or whether it is distinct from that subsection and falls under “any other reason” justifying relief and therefore may be brought by motion under Rule 60(b)(6). Rule 60(b)(3) has been cited with respect to claims that were brought by a party pursuant to Rule 60(b)(3) and not contested under that subsection. See Kawamata Farms, Inc., v. United Agri Prods.,
It should also be noted that this court has held, in Child Support Enforcement Agency v. Doe,
B.
Inasmuch as HFCR Rule 60(b) and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) Rule 60(b) “are almost identically worded, interpretations of FRCP Rule 60(b) are helpful in
C.
On the other hand, many courts hold that fraud on the court can be brought by motion under subsection 6. “A [FRCP] Rule 60(b)(6) motion is an appropriate vehicle to bring forward a claim for fraud on the court[.]” Carter v. Anderson,
Under these eases, fraud on the court is not “mere” fraud. These courts appear to reason that because fraud on the court affects the judicial process itself, such a claim should be brought to the attention of the court by motion under 60(b)(6), and not be subject to a one-year limitation. See Trim,
VI.
Fraud on the court should fall under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6) as “any other reason” justifying relief, and not be subject to a one-year limitation of subsection 3 because (1)
A.
HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) states that “fraud (whether heretofore denominated intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party ” justifies relief. (Emphasis added.) Thus, HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) “concerns misconduct by an opposing party only.” Chang v. Bockridge Manor Condominium, No. C-07-4005 EMC,
The considerations underlying fraud on the court, however, are not restricted to the conduct of an opposing party as expressly qualified under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) and, therefore, should not fall under that subsection. Fraud on the court may be committed by a party, but also may be committed by the party’s counsel.
If a party in a divorce or marriage proceeding misrepresents to the court the status of his or her marriage to obtain a favorable decree, a fraud on the court may be committed. See Batrouny v. Batrouny,
This was not a case where the fraud occurred between the parties and had little effect- on the judicial proceedings. See Maranda v. Maranda,
B.
Our policies of reaching the merits and according justice also support the conclusion that fraud on the court falls under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6). While other courts conclude that the policy favoring finality of judgments prevails over equitable considerations a year after judgment, Great Coastal Express,
In Magoon v. Magoon,
The family court noted “there were sufficient questions raised by the discovery of this document to have required or conducted a further fact finding hearing to determine the validity of the document[,]” but concluded, based on its interpretation of HRS § 580-56(d) (1976)
C.
Finally, our eases have suggested that fraud on the court is not barred by a one-
D.
Accordingly, based on the language of HFCR Rule 60(b), our policy of reaching the merits of claims and rendering justice, and case law indicating that fraud on the court can be brought at any time, Geraldine’s claim of fraud on the court should be remanded for decision under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6).
VII.
Geraldine also sought relief from the judgment under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6) on the ground that George exercised undue influence over her and caused her to transfer property to him that became incorporated in the divorce decree. She argued that the property division under the divorce decree was inequitable and that George was an “exceptionally effective manipulator!)]”
A.
According to Geraldine, undue influence is not “specifically stated” in subsections 1 through 5, and, therefore, that claim falls under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6). George countered that “it is abundantly clear that the nature of [Geraldine’s] claim, as determined from the allegations set forth in her Motion, are in the nature of a fraud claim.” The ICA determined that “a plain reading of HFCR Rule 60(b) reveals that ‘undue influence’ falls within Rule 60(b)(3) as ‘other misconduct.’ ” Dubie,
With all due respect, a “plain reading” of HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) does not provide such an indication. “[0]ther misconduct” is not defined in HFCR Rule 60(b). It does not follow, then, that undue influence, mentioned nowhere in 60(b)(3), indisputably falls under “other misconduct” by one party against the other.
1.
A plaintiff alleging fraud must establish the following elements:
(1) false representations were made by defendants, (2) with knowledge of their falsity (or without knowledge of their truth or falsity), (3) in contemplation of plaintiffs reliance upon these false representations, and (4) plaintiff did rely upon them.
Shoppe v. Gucci Am., Inc.,
Misrepresentation has been defined as:
Any manifestation by words or other conduct by one person to another that, under the circumstances, amounts to an assertion not in accordance with the facts. An untrue statement of fact. An incorrect or false representation. That which, if accepted, leads the mind to an apprehension of a condition other and different from that which exists.
Kim v. Contractors License Bd.,
2.
Contrastingly, undue influence is premised upon the victim’s will being overborne, which can be accomplished without any false representation. It is stated generally that the elements of undue influence are “(1) a susceptible party, (2) another’s opportunity to influence the susceptible party, (3) the actual or attempted imposition of improper influence, and (4) a result showing the effect of the improper influence.” DiPietro v. DiPietro,
Undue influence is defined as “[t]he improper use of power or trust in a way that deprives a person of free will and substitutes another’s objective.” Black’s Law Dictionary at 1665. The ICA has defined it as “the misuse of a position of confidence or the taking advantage of a person’s weakness, infirmity or distress to change improperly that person’s actions or decisions.” In re Adoption of Male Minor Child,
Hence, while undue influence involves domination of a person and “overcoming a person’s free agency or free will so that the person is unable to keep from doing what he or she would not otherwise have done[,]” fraud and misrepresentation involve an inducement of “a person to exercise his or her free will mistakenly based on false information.” Rawlings v. John Hancock Mut. Life Ins.,
Undue influence consists in exerting sufficient pressure or influence upon the testator to break down his will power and overcome his free agency or free will so that he is unable to keep from doing that which he would not otherwise do. Such undue influence need not involve the use of false and fraudulent representations or untrue statements. Unrelenting importunity that employs the use of perfectly true and accurate information may become so overbearing as to constitute undue influence, though such could not by any means constitute fraud.
Id. (emphasis added) (citation omitted). Thus, “[tjhere need be no pressure in fraud such as is necessary to constitute undue influence.” In re Estate of Hayes,
These distinctions support the conclusion that undue influence does not fall under “any other misconduct” in HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) because undue influence is based on conduct that is different from fraud and misrepresentation. As noted before, fraud or misrepresentation exists when a person relies on a false belief, whereas undue influence exists when a person’s will is overborne and the person does something he or she would not do otherwise. Because of the differences between fraud and misrepresentation on one hand, and undue influence on the other, undue influence cannot be a type of “other misconduct” under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) and, therefore, must fall under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6).
B.
Geraldine sought to set aside the property division of the divorce decree due to George’s exertion of undue influence over her from the date of marriage until the date of his death. The four elements of undue influence — a susceptible party, another’s opportunity to influence, the actual imposition, and the resulting showing of improper influence — were alleged in the motion and supported by evidence in this case. See Pickman,
As to the first element, susceptibility, a court considers whether the person alleged to be the object of undue influence was susceptible to such influence. Dr. Bennett Blum (Dr. Blum), a forensic psychiatrist who has “extensive experience as a forensic psychiatrist in evaluating situations in which one person may have exerted undue influence on another[,]” declared that Geraldine “was susceptible to manipulation and undue influence” at the time she met George. According to Dr. Blum, she was “made to believe that certain actions were critical to [George’s] health” and their “happiness as a couplet,]” considerations that “overwhelmed” her. Therefore, there was evidence that Geraldine was susceptible to undue influence.
As to the second element, when a “confidential relationship exists where the parties do not deal on equal terms, but, on the one side there is an overmastering influence, or, on the other, weakness, dependence or trust,” an opportunity to influence exists. Mente Chevrolet Oldsmobile Inc. v. GMAC,
In this case, Geraldine put her confidence and trust in George, declaring that she “believed!,]” “relied” on, and “trust[ed]” him, and obtained a “temporary” divorce based on his representations that the divorce was for business reasons and that they would soon remarry. Dr. Blum expressed to a reasonable degree of medical probability as a psychiatrist, that George “introduced a new element for [Geraldine’s] consideration in her behaviors — the supposed spiritual and associated physical impact of her decisions upon the health and well-being of people she loved, her friends, and herself.” George had the opportunity to “misuse” his “position of confidence” and take advantage of Geraldine. In re Adoption of Male Minor Child,
As to the third element, a disposition to exert undue influence, Geraldine stated in her 60(b) motion that “[u]nbeknownst to [her], from the beginning of [her relationship with George], [George] intended to obtain her property and money[.]” She declared that he had spent more time in Thailand allegedly investing in property that he represented “belonged equally to both of [them]” and that she had an “ownership interest” in the property. He supposedly told Geraldine that a divorce would be temporary, and was for business reasons, so they should “continue to live as [they] had throughout [the] marriage.” It can be “inferred” from the circumstances that George was disposed to seek a divorce and marital settlements for his ultimate “plan to obtain [Geraldine’s] assets.”
Finally, as to the fourth element, a result indicating undue influence, the result was a “temporary” divorce and the transfer of money and property to George which were incorporated in the allegedly temporary divorce. As to the transfer of money and property, when one party turns over “the management of [her] finances to [the other] who subsequently used [his] position to gain control incrementally over most of [her] assets[,]” evidence of undue influence may exist. Francois,
Furthermore, Dr. Blum stated that, “in order to benefit himselfl,]” George had engaged in tactics “commonly employed by cult leaders, seam artists, and perpetratoz’s of undue influence.” Such matters would support the allegations that Geraldine’s complaint for divorce and transfer of money and property to George was the direct result of George’s imposition of undue influence. In sum, based on the declarations in the record, it appears that George allegedly substituted his objectives for Geraldine’s, “taking advantage of’ her, In re Adoption of Male Minor Child,
VIII.
The declarations of Dr. Juan Suero (Dr. Suero), see infra, Dr. Blum, and Geraldine, and documents submitted, are sufficient bases to convene an evidentiary hearing as to whether the fraud on the court and undue influence claims wei’e cognizable under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6). They raise issues of fact for decision. The characterization by the coui’t, the ICA, and the majoiity of the
IX.
Accordingly, I would vacate the May 3, 2010 ICA judgment and the December 18, 2007 order of the court, and remand for an evidentiary hearing and determination regarding the fraud on the court and undue influence claims, which were properly before the court under HFCR Rule 60(b)(6).
X.
I respectfully disagree with the majority’s arguments that (1) Geraldine’s allegations of fraud on the court constitute only fraud under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3), (2) her claim of undue influence falls under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3), and (3) Geraldine did not request an evidentiary hearing.
A.
The majority states that Geraldine’s fraud on the court claim is unsuccessful because “the record does not establish that George knew the Dominican Decree was invalid, or that he deliberately misrepresented his marital status to the family court.” Majority opinion at 145,
Geraldine’s declaration indicates that George had knowledge of the invalidity of the Dominican divorce decree. Geraldine declared that George “made factual representations” to her, including that “he was divorced from his previous wife[.]” According to her, she realized, after George’s death, that George “had not been validly divorced” from Sylvie at the time Geraldine married George, and she stated that she “would not have consented to marry” George, “had [she] known the truth” that his previous divorce was invalid.
Dr. Suero, an “attorney licensed to practice in the Dominican Republic,” stated in a declaration and opinion that, within a “reasonable degree of probability within [his] sphere of [his] expertise,” the Dominican divorce decree was void. Sylvie filed for divorce in the Dominican Republic on the ground of incompatibility of characters. However, Dr. Suero declared that, such divorce proceedings must be filed in the court embracing “the defendant’s residence, [or] ... the plaintiffs residence.” According to his declaration and opinion, Sylvie’s residence of the West Indies and George’s residence of California, were “not within the territorial jurisdiction” of the Dominican court, and therefore that court lacked personal and subject matter jurisdiction “to hear a divorce proceeding involving th[o]se parties[.]” Additionally, in his view, Dominican law was violated when the divorce hearing was held before the end of a mandatory fifteen-day period given to the opposing party, in this case, George, to respond to the summons. Dr. Suero recounted that the divorce decree “shall not be considered as a valid divorce by any third party” because “it is a product of violations of Dominican public policies and the Dominican Republic constitution.”
Additionally, attached to Geraldine’s 60(b) motion was a copy of the amended separation agreement indicating that a separation agreement was formed by Sylvie and George four months after their divorce, which referred to themselves as “Wife” and “Hus
There are also facts in the record to establish that George deliberately misrepresented his marital status to the court. George filed an appearance and waiver form in which he submitted himself to the court’s jurisdiction and stated that he was “permitting the [cjourt without opposition from me to proceed with the ... matter[.]” (Emphasis added.) By agreeing to the divorce, George represented that he and Geraldine were “lawfully married to each other,” as stated in the divorce complaint.
Therefore, based on the foregoing matters, the record was sufficient to establish for purposes of an evidentiary hearing that George knew the Dominican decree was invalid or that he “deliberately misrepresented” his marital status to the court.
B.
The majority contends that because it was Geraldine, not George, who filed the divorce complaint, George could not have committed a fraud on the court. Majority opinion at 145 n. 18,
C.
The majority also contends that George’s “coneeal[ment]” of the fact that he had never divorced Sylvie is “non-disclosure” or perjury that, standing alone, is insufficient to establish a fraud on the court. Majority opinion at 145-46,
Ordinarily, perjury or nondisclosure does not constitute a fraud on the court because the adverse party has an opportunity to challenge the perjured testimony or nondisclosure. However, if neither the adverse •party nor the court has any reason to question the veracity of the witness or party offering false testimony, and if the court relies on that testimony in entering judgment, then the fraud constitutes a fraud on the court.
Moore’s Federal Practice ¶ 60.21[4][c] (emphasis added). The reason for this distinction is quite clear. Usually, in cases where non-disclosure did not amount to fraud on the court, the plaintiff or the party had “the opportunity to challenge the alleged perjured testimony or non-disclosure because the issue was already before the court.” In re Levander,
For example, if a party claims, after trial, that a witness failed to disclose information or committed perjury while testifying, courts have held that such a claim is insufficient as fraud on the court because the party had the opportunity to cross examine or impeach the witness, or otherwise bring the perjury to light during trial. Id. On the other hand, when the nondisclosure was not, and could not have been, an issue at trial, and a court relied on the non-disclosure when issuing its order, opinion, or judgment, then the nondisclosure “harms the integrity of the judicial process.” Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Thus, non-disclosure and perjury constitute fraud on the court when the parties lack knowledge of it and the court relied on the non-disclosure.
Kawamata Farms and Southwest Slopes are consistent with the foregoing principle. Kawamata Farms involved DuPont’s failure to timely disclose information to the plaintiffs in response to discovery requests.
In Southwest Slopes, the defendant, Lum, contracted with the plaintiffs, Southwest Slopes, Inc. and Robert Rice (Rice), to buy the plaintiffs’ property conditioned on a due diligence period.
In light of Smith’s and Rice’s failure to disclose the archeological features to Lum, the ICA “refer[red] this possible fraud upon the court to the circuit court for appropriate investigation and action.” Id. at 511,
XI.
Second, the majority maintains Geraldine’s undue influence allegations fall under HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) because (a) “other misconduct of an adverse party” includes undue influence, (b) the history of the analogous federal rule supports that conclusion, and (c) other states treat undue influence as other misconduct under subsection 3. Majority opinion at 147-49,
A.
In the majority’s view, HFCR Rule 60(b)(6), which allows relief for “any other reason,” can only be invoked when someone other than the adverse party acted improperly, irrespective of the “type” of misconduct or action committed by the opposing party. As discussed supra, following established rules of construction, “other misconduct” only embraces types of conduct similar to fraud and misrepresentation. Because undue influence is not similar to fraud and misrepresentation, it does not fall under subsection 3. See discussion supra.
The majority cites Anderson v. Cryovac, Inc.,
To the contrary, by abandoning established statutory construction rules, the majority leaves the term “other misconduct” without any manageable limits. This approach would swallow up the “any other reason to justify relief’ language in 60(b)(6).
B.
Contrary to the majority’s position, the history of the federal rule does not govern the placement of “undue influence” at all. Prior to the 1937 adoption of FRCP Rule 60, the substantive and procedural law dealing with relief from judgment was complex. See United States v. Mayer,
The majority contends that because a claim of relief for undue influence was cognizable previously as a suit in equity, it is cognizable under Rule 60(b)(3), not Rule 60(b)(6), inasmuch as Rule 60(b)(6) extended remedies beyond the previous procedures for relief.
As the Committee noted, “Rule 60(b) does not assume to define the substantive law as to the grounds for vacating judgments, but merely prescribes the practice in proceedings to obtain relief.” FRCP 60(b) 1948 advisory committee note (emphases added). The question of whether undue influence falls under “other misconduct” is one of substantive law that must be answered by this court; it is plain that the Committee did not intend to categorize unenumerated claims under particular subsections. In other words, there is nothing in the history of the rule to suggest that undue influence falls under subsection 3.
Rather, Rule 60(b)(6) “broadens the grounds for relief from a judgment set out in the five preceding elauses[,]” and was intended to give “the courts ample power to vacate judgments whenever that action is appropriate to accomplish justice.” 11 Wright, Miller & Kane, supra § 2864, at 355.
[i]t is contended that the “other reason” clause should be interpreted so as to deny relief except under circumstances sufficient to have authorized relief under the common law writs of coram nobis and audita querela, and that the facts shown here would not have justified relief under these common law proceedings.... To accept this contention would therefore introduce needless confusion in the administration of 60(b) and would also circumscribe it within needless and uncertain boundaries. Furthermore 60(b) strongly indicates on its face that courts no longer are to be hemmed in by the uncertain boundaries of these and other common law remedial tools.
Klapprott,
C.
1.
The majority contends that some federal cases have stated that
“Rule 60(b)(3) is the lineal descendant of the equity rale that a court may alter or annul, because of fraud or undue influence, a written instrument (such as a contract or patent-but also a court’s own judgment), see [Hazel-Atlas ], 322 U.S. [at] 244-45 [64 S.Ct. 997 ], only if the fraud or undue influence is proved by clear and convincing evidence.”
Majority opinion at 148,
In Hazel-Atlas, the defendant, Hartford Empire (Hartford), had obtained a patent supported in part by a trade journal article allegedly written by an expert, Clarke, who favorably commented on Hartford’s device.
Thirteen years after the settlement, these facts were revealed and Hazel sought a bill of review. Id. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals refused to grant relief. The Supreme Court reversed, stating that there was a “deliberately planned and carefully executed scheme to defraud not only the Patent Office but the Circuit Court of Appeals.” Id. at 245,
[T]ampering with the administration of justice in the manner indisputably shown here involves far more than an injury to a single litigant. It is a urrong against the institutions set up to protect and safeguard the public, institutions in which fraud cannot complacently be tolerated consistently with the good order of society. Surely it cannot be that preservation of the integrity of the judicial process must always wait upon the diligence of litigants. The public welfare demands that the agencies of public justice be not so impotent that they must always be mute and helpless victims of deception and fraud.
Id. at 246,
2.
The majority also cites four state cases it maintains “appear to treat allegations of undue influence as ‘other misconduct of an adverse party’ ” under similar provisions. Majority opinion at 148,
XII.
Finally, the majority contends Geraldine did not request an evidentiary hearing and Geraldine did not raise the lack of an eviden-tiary hearing in her Application. Majority opinion at 149,
Respectfully, there is no merit to the contention that Geraldine failed to raise the issue of the evidentiary hearing in her Application. Again, the ICA concluded that the “court did not abuse its discretion by failing to provide Geraldine relief or a hearing regarding them.” Dubie,
XIII.
Based on the foregoing reasons, I would vacate the May 3, 2010 judgment of the ICA and remand to the court for further proceedings.
.HFCR Rule 60(b) provides in pertinent part:
(b) Mistakes; inadvertence; excusable neglect; newly discovered evidence; fraud. On motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or a party’s legal representative from any or all of the provisions of a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following reasons: ... (3) fraud (whether heretofore denominated intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party; (4) the judgment is void; ... or (6) any other reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment. The motion shall be made within a reasonable time, and for reason[ ] ... (3) not more than one year after the judgment, order, or proceeding was entered or taken.... This rule does not limit the power of a court to entertain an independent action to relieve a party from a judgment, order, or proceeding, or to set aside a judgment for fraud upon the court.
(Emphases added.)
. Although Nancy was substituted for George, Geraldine alleges that George, not Nancy, engaged in undue influence and fraud on the court. Thus, this opinion primarily refers to George, not Nancy, as the opposing party.
. The majority asserts that Geraldine did not specifically request an evidentiary hearing. Majority opinion at 135,
. The ICA erred in holding that Geraldine was estopped from challenging whether the judgment was void inasmuch as "estoppel cannot be used to prevent a party from challenging an illegal act.” Alvarez Family Trust v. Ass’n of Apartment Owners of Kaanapali Alii,
. It is noted that HRS § 580-1 was amended in February 2011 and, in addition to the quoted language, states that "[t]he family court of each circuit shall have jurisdiction over all proceedings relating to the annulment, divorce, and separation of civil unions entered into in this State in the same manner as marriages.” Act 1 (Feb. 24, 2011).
. It need not be addressed whether the three-month period applies to domicile and continuous presence, or continuous presence alone. Puckett v. Puckett,
. Geraldine relies on Tagupa v. Tagupa,
Geraldine also relies on State v. Alagao,
. Nancy did not argue, in her Answering Brief or in her Response to the Application, that even if HFCR Rule 60(b)(6) applied, the motion was not brought within a reasonable time. Accordingly, the issue of whether Geraldine's motion was brought within a reasonable time was waived. See Hawai'i Rules of Appellate Procedure (HRAP) Rule 28(b)(7) ("Points not argued may be deemed waived.”).
. In CSEA, in a family court proceeding to establish paternity of a child whose father (Father) had died before the child’s birth, pursuant to an agreement by all parties, including Grandmother, the special administrator of Father’s estate, the family court ordered genetic testing.
In October 1999, Grandmother moved to set aside the judgment under HFCR 60(b)(2) and (3) on the ground that there was "newly discovered evidence” showing that no genetic testing of Father existed, and that "CSEA had lied” to induce her "to agree to the judgment of paternity.” Id. at 502,
. It must be noted that FRCP Rule 60(b) was amended in 2007 and the language in 60(b)(6) that relief could be sought by motion or independent action was deleted and relocated to section 60(d). The Commentary to the amendment explains that "the final sentence of the rule said that the procedure for obtaining any relief from a judgment by motion as prescribed in the Civil Rules or by an independent action[was] deleted as unnecessary.” 2007 Commentary to FRCP Rule 60(b). Relief "continues to be available only as provided in the Civil Rules or by Independent Action.” Id. The amendment added FRCP Rule 60(d), which provides, in pertinent part, that "[t]his rule does not limit a court’s power to (1) entertain an independent action to relieve a party from a judgment, order, or proceeding; ... [or] (3) set aside a judgment for fraud on the court.” FRCP Rule 60(d)(1) and (3). The commentary states that the "changes are intended to be stylistic only.” 2007 Commentary to FRCP Rule 60(b). Therefore, Rule 60(d)(3) "contains the ‘fraud on the court’ provision that was part of the penultimate sentence of Rule 60(b) before its 2007 revision. The change was stylistic only, ... and thus, interpretations of the prior 'fraud upon the court’ language apply equally to the new Rule 60(d)(3).” Williams v. Dormire, No. 4:10-CV-1660-CAS,
. Schefke,
. HRS § 580-56(d) (1993) is the same as the 1976 version, and provides:
Following the entry of a decree of divorce, or the entry of a decree or order finally dividing the property of the parties to a matrimonial action if the same is reserved in the decree of divorce, or the elapse of one year after entry of a decree or order reserving the final division of property of the party, a divorced spouse shall not be entitled to dower or curtesy in the former spouse's real estate, or any part thereof, nor to any share of the former spouse's personal estate.
. Some courts have held that undue influence falls under 60(b)(6). Espie v. Catholic Soc. Servs.,
. HFCR 60(b) has the same force and effect as a statute, thus rules of statutory construction apply to it. "When interpreting rules promulgated by the court, principles of statutory construction
.The majority contends it is "not uncommon” for the terms, husband and wife, to describe a divorced couple, citing a Hawai'i appellate decision. See majority opinion at 145 n. 18,
. The majority states that "none of George’s responsive submissions to the [ ] court aver to the legality of his marriage to Geraldine[,j” and therefore it is unlikely that George committed a fraud on the court. Majority opinion at 145 n. 18,
. Contrary to the majority’s view, then, majority opinion at 145 n. 18,
. The majority states that Kawamata Farms does not stand for the proposition that nondisclosure can amount to fraud on the court, but that fraudulent misrepresentations were involved. Majority opinion at 145 n. 19,
. The majority attempts to distinguish Southwest Slopes by stating that "the asserted fraud [in Southwest Slopes ] involved a potentially false affidavit by a party, as well as an apparently false affidavit and letter by the party's attorney.” Majority opinion at 146 n. 19,
First, the majority seems to state that Southwest Slopes involved the possibility that an attorney committed fraud on the court, which required remand. If the "possibility” that fraud on the court required remand, then clearly the "possibility” that George committed a fraud on the court should also require an evidentiary hearing. Second, the majority appears to infer that fraud on the court focused on the attorney as an “officer of the court.” Id. If the majority believes that to be the case, then the argument that George was not an "officer of the court” would be a stronger, and an easier, means of disposing of Geraldine's fraud on the court claim than attempting to categorize her claim as one of mere fraud. The majority cites no Hawai'i case for that proposition, and in any event, it would be wrong. See Farrow,
. The majority also notes that cases cited by Geraldine, Kawamata Farms, Hazel-Atlas Glass Co. v. Hartford-Empire Co.,
. Concluding that the "substance,” majority opinion at 145-46,
. The majority responds that its interpretation of HFCR Rule 60(b)(3) is manageable because the conduct must be performed by an adverse party. Majority opinion at 147 n. 22,
. The Advisory Committee explained:
Since the rules had been in force [since 1937], decisions have been rendered that the use of bills of review, coram nobis, or audita querela, to obtain relief from final judgments is still proper, and that various remedies of this kind still exist although they are not mentioned in the mies and the practice is not prescribed in the rules. It is obvious that the mies should be complete in this respect and define the practice with respect to any existing rights or remedies to obtain relief from final judgments.
FRCP 60(b) 1946 advisory committee note (emphasis added).
.Of course, this court can and has deviated from FRCP Rule 60(b). “[N]otwithstanding their persuasiveness, interpretations of the FRCP by federal courts are by no means conclusive with respect to our interpretation of any rule within the [HFCR].” Kawamata Farms,
. The majority cites to the Note, Federal Rule 60(B): Relief From Civil Judgments, 61 Yale L.J. 76, 81 & n.25 (1952), for support that undue influence falls under Rule 60(b)(3) and is constrained by the one year limitation. However, that note does not mention undue influence, or state that that cause of action falls under subsection 3. Indeed, the note urged abolishment of the one year time limitation.
. The majority cites In re Leisure Corp., No. C-03-03012 RMW,
. Devos,
. Coppley,
. Maynor,