268 Wis. 112 | Wis. | 1954
This case came on for trial below and was submitted and argued here in connection with the appeal of Masino v. Sechrest, ante, p. 101, 66 N. W. (2d) 740. Here the appellant, in his first cause of action, attempts to allege facts of wrongful conduct on his sister’s part which would raise a constructive trust. The facts alleged, at most, must be interpreted to mean that appellant and respondent are brother and sister, and that appellant had the legal title to certain land purchased by him put in his sister’s name. There is nothing to suggest any fraudulent inducement by his sister to cause him to have the property transferred in the manner in which it was transferred, nor is there any allegation of facts or circumstances “instinct with an obligation” on her with respect to constructive trust. The facts alleged do no more than show what is at common law a purchase-money resulting trust, which is inoperative in this state because of sec. 231.07, Stats., for “It is only the common-
A reading of the complaint shows no facts which may be described as “essential extrinsic equities” necessary to constitute a constructive trust. There is nothing in the way of circumstances that may be used to establish the holder of the title as a constructive trustee. There must be more than a transfer of property. There is no claim of a promise in words, and none arises from the set of circumstances pleaded, to show an obligation assumed by respondent. The first alleged cause of action does not, therefore, plead a lawful or equitable resulting trust nor a constructive trust, and the dismissal of the complaint as to the first cause of action must be affirmed.
As to the second cause of action, we are of the opinion that the statement is deficient in that it does not advise the court or the opposing party as to what contract or set of circumstances the plaintiff bases his claim that the deed should be declared to be a mortgage. The allegations do not show that plaintiff borrowed any money from his sister. We are of the opinion that the objection raised as to the sufficiency of this second cause of action was properly sustained by the court below.
The court was required to determine the nature of the causes of action intended to be set forth, and for that purpose material allegations must be presented. The complaint is required to state in plain and concise language the ultimate facts constituting a cause of action, sec. 263.03 (2), Stats. The rulings of the trial court referred to herein are sustained because of the defectiveness of the pleading, and the order granting plaintiff the opportunity to plead over was all that he was entitled to under the circumstances.
