Bonaparte v. Neff

773 P.2d 1147, 116 Idaho 60, 1989 Ida. App. LEXIS 106

• Court: Idaho Court of Appeals
• Decided: May 3, 1989
• Docket: 17247
• Status: Published

Opinions

SWANSTROM, Judge.

Isaac Bonaparte appeals from two judgments granting costs and attorney fees in favor of Steve and Rickie Neff and Dennis and Carol Ulery. This Court vacates both awards and remands the case for further proceedings.

Bonaparte filed an action to quiet his alleged title to a roadway easement across property owned by the Neffs. The Neffs answered Bonaparte’s complaint and in turn filed a third-party complaint against the Ulerys, from whom the Neffs had purchased their property. The action went to trial before District Judge John Maynard. At the close of Bonaparte’s case, the Neffs moved for involuntary dismissal pursuant to I.R.C.P. 41(b). This motion was granted. As a consequence, the judge also dismissed the Neffs’ third-party complaint against the Ulerys. Apparently, Judge Maynard instructed the Neffs to submit an affidavit of their costs and attorney fees.¹ The Neffs filed a memorandum of costs and fees. So did the Ulerys. Bonaparte moved to disallow both. However, before the dispute over fees and costs was resolved, Judge Maynard’s term of office expired.

The case was reassigned to District Judge Ronald Schilling, who held a hearing to determine the parties’ entitlement to their claimed attorney fees and costs. As prevailing defendants, the Neffs argued that they were entitled to have their fees paid by plaintiff Bonaparte. The Ulerys, as third-party defendants, argued that they were brought into the case by the Neffs, who should be ordered to pay their fees. After listening to argument by counsel and reviewing the court file, Judge Schilling found that Bonaparte’s action “was pursued unreasonably and without foundation.” The judge ordered Bonaparte to pay the costs and attorney fees, not only of the defendants Neff, but also of third-party defendants, Ulery. Separate judgments were entered. This appeal followed.

Necessarily, this opinion deals separately with each award. Chief Judge Walters and Judge Burnett concur in the first part of this opinion dealing with the award of fees to the Neffs. However, they do not share my views regarding the award of fees to the Ulerys. As to this award, I set forth my views in the second part of this opinion while Judge Burnett writes separately to express the view he and Chief Judge Walters hold.

AWARD OF FEES TO DEFENDANTS, NEFF

Bonaparte contends that Judge Schilling erred, as a matter of law, in making his determination without the benefit of a trial transcript. Bonaparte also contends that Judge Schilling, in making the awards, gave undue importance to Judge Maynard’s dismissal of Bonaparte’s claim at the conclusion of plaintiff's case and to Judge Maynard’s apparent instruction that the Neffs submit an affidavit of attorney fees.

Initially we note that an award of fees to a prevailing party in this type of case is a matter of discretion of the trial court under I.C. § 12-121. Such a discretionary award can be made “by the court only when it finds, from the facts presented to it, that the case was brought, pursued or defended frivolously, unreasonably or without foundation.” I.R.C.P. 54(e)(1). The party claiming entitlement to fees under I.C. § 12-121 must show that this criterion is met.

In our appellate review of the exercise of discretion, we conduct the following inquiry: (1) whether the lower court rightly perceived the issue as one of discretion; (2) whether the court acted within the boundaries of such discretion and consistently with any legal standards applicable to specific choices; and (3) whether the court reached its decision by an exercise of reason. Associates Northwest v. Beets, 112 Idaho 603, 733 P.2d 824 (Ct.App.1987).

Here, we may narrow our focus to whether Judge Schilling acted within the boundaries of his discretion and whether he misperceived or ignored any applicable legal standards. Due to Bonaparte’s contention that Judge Schilling erred as a matter of law by deciding to award fees under I.C. § 12-121 without reviewing a transcript of the trial, we must initially decide whether sufficient facts were presented to Judge Schilling upon which he could determine that the action had been “pursued unreasonably” or “without foundation.”

The record on appeal fails to disclose precisely what documents Judge Schilling reviewed. As the appellant, Bonaparte requested only a limited record be prepared for this appeal. We know Judge Schilling examined the entire district court file, but that a trial transcript was not prepared. It is apparent that he considered the various legal theories advanced by Bonaparte and the extent of discovery undertaken by the parties. We can also assume that Judge Schilling had court minutes of the trial and other documents including depositions which have not been provided to us on appeal.

We are not persuaded that it was error, per se, for Judge Schilling to decide the attorney fee issue, on grounds that the action “was pursued unreasonably and without foundation,” without reviewing a transcript or recording of the trial testimony. No authority has been cited to us in support of Bonaparte’s argument. We have been unable to locate any court decision. adopting a “bright line” rule which would prohibit any successor judge from making a discretionary ruling on attorney fees without having a trial transcript or similar record to review. We believe that the need for a transcript should be determined on a case-by-case basis. The failure of the appellant to give us the complete record upon which Judge Schilling relied precludes our further examination into this alleged error.

Bonaparte’s other arguments concern the standards applicable to Judge Schilling’s ruling. One such standard governing the judge’s discretion is that an action is not frivolous, unreasonable or without foundation solely because it fails to survive a defendant’s I.R.C.P. 41(b) motion for involuntary dismissal. The ultimate failure as a matter of law of the plaintiff’s case does not necessarily mean that the action was frivolous or without merit. Gulf Chemical Employees Federal Credit Union v. Williams, 107 Idaho 890, 693 P.2d 1092 (Ct.App.1984) (reversing attorney fee award to defendant who had been granted summary judgment). The court, in a case presenting mixed issues of law and fact, must determine whether the evidence adduced is sufficient to establish a fairly debatable issue under the legal theories advanced by the plaintiffs or whether the position advanced was plainly fallacious. French v. Sorensen, 113 Idaho 950, 751 P.2d 98 (1988); Associates Northwest v. Beets, supra.

We believe the appellate record does raise questions about the basis for Judge Schilling’s award. Apparently, Judge Schilling concluded, from the grant of the defendant’s Rule 41(b) motion, that Bonaparte had failed to present even a prima facie case for the claimed easement by prescription. That conclusion may be true. We are in no position to challenge it where the appellant has not furnished us with the same record that was before Judge Schilling. On the other hand, we note that a plaintiff may present a fairly debatable prima facie case and still suffer dismissal under I.R.C.P. 41(b) in a non-jury trial. See Sorenson v. Adams, 98 Idaho 708, 571 P.2d 769 (1977) (overruled on other grounds, Owen v. Boydstun, 102 Idaho 31, 624 P.2d 413 (1981)). Our concern here is that Judge Schilling may have equated the grant of the Rule 41(b) motion by Judge Maynard with a determination that the action was “frivolous, unreasonable or without foundation.” The record on appeal suggests that Judge Schilling relied heavily on the fact that the Rule 41(b) motion was granted by Judge Maynard. Yet it is clear that Judge Maynard did not make any findings as is required by Rule 41(b) or 52(a), I.R.C.P. See Powers v. Tiegs, 108 Idaho 4, 696 P.2d 855 (1985). This absence of required findings by Judge Maynard increases our concern about the reliance Judge Schilling apparently placed upon the order of dismissal. Accordingly, we deem it necessary to vacate the award of fees to the Neffs and remand the case for reconsideration of the basis for such an award.

We now turn to Bonaparte’s contention that Judge Schilling also improperly relied upon Judge Maynard’s instruction that the Neffs submit an affidavit for their costs and fees. The Neffs, in support of their award, argue that this directive was an implicit “finding” that Bonaparte’s action was brought or pursued unreasonably or without foundation. We disagree. No such finding can be inferred. Moreover, Rule 54(e)(2) requires “a written finding ... [stating] the basis and reasons for awarding ... attorney fees [under I.C. § 12-121].” The Neffs have not pointed to anything in the record of the trial court that would satisfy this rule. Again, it is clear that no such findings were made by Judge Maynard.²

We are faced again with the problem presented with Judge Schilling’s consideration of the Rule 41(b) motion. Although it is clear that Judge Schilling considered the available record in making his own findings regarding the foundation and reasonableness of the issues advanced by Bonaparte, it is unclear whether Judge Schilling unduly relied on Judge Maynard’s instruction to the Neffs to submit an affidavit for their costs and fees. Because we believe that little or no reliance should be placed on Judge Maynard’s unexplained request for the submission of an affidavit for fees, on remand this possible basis for the award also needs to be re-examined.

For the foregoing reasons, we vacate the Neffs' judgment for fees against Bonaparte and remand for further proceedings consistent with this part of the opinion. No costs or fees are awarded on appeal.

WALTERS, C.J., and BURNETT, J., concur.

THE AWARD OF COSTS AND FEES TO THIRD-PARTY DEFENDANTS, ULERY

As noted earlier, the views expressed here are solely those of the author. The views of Chief Judge Walters and Judge Burnett are explained in a separate opinion.

The same circumstances which caused this Court to vacate the award of fees to the Neffs also underlie the award of fees to the Ulerys. Accordingly, while I could agree with my colleagues that the judgment awarding fees to the Ulerys must be vacated, ultimately I could not agree to any award of fees being made to the Ulerys against Bonaparte under the procedural facts of this case. My reasons are as follows.

Only the Neffs were named as defendants in Bonaparte’s complaint to establish his right to an easement. After the Neffs unsuccessfully sought to have their predecessors in interest, the Ulerys, defend the action, the Neffs filed a third-party complaint against the Ulerys, alleging breach of warranties, misrepresentation and seeking indemnification for damages, costs and expenses of defending against Bonaparte’s claim. The Ulerys answered the Neffs’ third-party complaint, seeking its dismissal and requesting that the Neffs pay the Ulerys’ costs and attorney fees. The Ulerys never pleaded any claims against Bonaparte.

At the hearing before Judge Schilling, the Ulerys’ attorney made it clear that they were looking to the Neffs for their costs and attorney fees. The Ulerys argued that, in filing the third-party complaint, the Neffs precipitously and “unnecessarily brought the Ulerys into the case.” The judge stated that he was not prepared to rule on the Ulerys’ claim for fees against the Neffs. He noted that the issues raised by the Neffs’ third-party complaint were never addressed in the trial due to Judge Maynard’s dismissal of this complaint after granting the Neffs’ motion for dismissal of Bonaparte’s action. Judge Schilling therefore requested briefing from the Neffs and the Ulerys before ruling on the Ulerys’ request for an award of fees against the Neffs.

Judge Schilling nevertheless proceeded to award attorney fees to the Ulerys directly against Bonaparte. His written order stated:

Furthermore, I find that third-party defendants Ulerys are entitled to attorney fees from plaintiff Bonaparte in that it was certainly predictable and foreseeable that the defendants Neff would join their predecessors in interest in defense of the quiet title action brought against them especially where, as here, any prescriptive use by the plaintiff took place prior to the time defendants Neff became owners of the property. I will therefore order that a judgment be entered in favor of third-party defendants Ulery and against plaintiff Bonaparte ... for attorney fees and costs in the amount of $2,024.00.

The Neffs’ third-party action against the Ulerys, essentially one for breach of warranty and indemnity, became moot when Bonaparte’s action for an easement was dismissed. As previously noted, the Ulerys’ pleadings did not seek any relief against Bonaparte. Likewise, Bonaparte never amended his complaint to seek any relief against the Ulerys after they were brought into the action by the Neffs. Thus, while either the plaintiff or the third-party defendants could have chosen to assert claims against the other, neither elected to do so. See 6 C. WRIGHT AND A. MILLER, FEDERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE: CIVIL §§ 1458, 1459 (hereinafter WRIGHT & MILLER). In such circumstance the plaintiff and the third-party defendant are not considered to be “opposing” or “adverse” parties. Id.

The Neffs’ third-party action against the Ulerys was of no concern to Bonaparte. The Neffs’ third-party action was based on warranties in the deed they had received from the Ulerys. The fact that the Ulerys might be found liable to the Neffs for breach of warranty if Bonaparte established his claim of an easement in no way provided the Neffs with a defense against the claimed easement. The joining of the Neffs’ breach of warranty claims against the Ulerys with the main action was a matter of convenience, not of necessity. A party may refrain from impleading a third-party defendant in favor of asserting his claim in an independent action. WRIGHT & MILLER § 1442; Tejas Development Co. v. McGough Bros., 167 F.2d 268, 269 (5th Cir.1948).

Thus, ... the courts have held that the defendant who voluntarily brings a third party action for indemnity must bear the cost if the third party prevails, and cannot look to the plaintiff for reimbursement.

Andersen v. Gold Seal Vineyards, Inc., 81 Wash.2d 863, 505 P.2d 790, 795 (1973).

In similar situations where a statute allows an award of fees to a prevailing party, it has been held that the plaintiffs were liable for costs relating to their controversy with defendant and the defendant was liable for costs relating to the third-party controversy. Tejas Development Co. v. McGough Bros., supra. If the Neffs, who elected to bring the third-party action against the Ulerys, could not recover fees from Bonaparte for bringing that action, it would make little sense to say that the Ulerys can nevertheless recover their fees from Bonaparte. Even if Bonaparte's claim of easement was pursued “unreasonably and without foundation” against the Neffs, as found by Judge Schilling, it was never pursued at all against the Ulerys. The Ulerys recognized this at the hearing regarding fees when they argued that the Neffs should pay their fees; that the Neffs “didn’t need to protect themselves by suing the Ulerys [prematurely].”

In arguments respondents’ counsel made to the district court there is the suggestion that Bonaparte should have learned— through the discovery which the parties conducted — that he would not prevail at trial on his claims for an easement. Indeed, Judge Schilling may have read the depositions and may have correctly perceived that the depositions exposed weaknesses or defects in Bonaparte’s claims and that Bonaparte should have more carefully investigated the facts or researched the law before pursuing his quiet title action against the Neffs. I have no problem with this reasoning. The same reasoning, however, ought to be applied in respect to the Neffs’ third-party action against the Ulerys. If it was so obvious to all concerned that Bonaparte’s claims against Neff lacked any basis in fact or law, then what does this say about the basis for Neffs’ third-party action against the Ulerys? In reality, if there was no basis for Bonaparte’s claims, there could be no greater basis for the third-party claims. This is but another aspect of the “factual nexus” argument which the majority uses to show that Bonaparte and Ulery are “factually adverse” parties. It was the Neffs, of course, who made the Ulerys legal adversaries. Being factually adverse to Bonaparte cost the Ulerys nothing. Only when the Neffs chose to make the Ulerys adverse parties rather than simply use them as defense witnesses at trial, did the Ulerys incur the litigation costs which they now want Bonaparte to pay.

Part of the problem I have with awarding these fees against Bonaparte lies with the interpretation given I.R.C.P. 54(e)(1). This rule does convey broad discretion to the trial judge in awarding fees to a prevailing party but until now it has not been clear just how broad this discretion is. The rule gives little, if any, indication to claimant A that if he sues B in an action which is later held to be without foundation, he will also have to pay C’s fees if B forces C into the suit with a third-party complaint, regardless of the fact that A pursued no claims against C and C pled for no relief against A. The effect is that A is held to have pursued an action unreasonably or without foundation against C when in fact he pursued no action at all against C. This interpretation of Rule 54(e)(1) may be the proper one but until now it has certainly not been the obvious one.

In an unanimous opinion just released by this Court we said:

before the case is decided, it matters a great deal to each party whether, and to whom, a fee may be awarded. This is especially true in cases where the amount of a potential award is likely to be substantial in relation to the amount at stake in the litigation. In such cases, the burden of attorney fees will profoundly affect the choice of whether to file or defend a law suit____ 1

Swanson v. Henning, 116 Idaho 199, 203, 774 P.2d 909, 913 (Ct.App.1989).

On the procedural facts of this case, I conclude that the district court should not have awarded fees to the Ulerys against Bonaparte. I would reverse this judgment. It is not my intent to establish any rigid rule disfavoring third-party litigants or chilling third-party practice. I merely recognize — as do the authorities cited in this opinion — that not all attempts to force potential parties into the trial arena at one time promote judicial economy or assist the fact finder in focusing on the controlling issue.

1 . In the transcript of subsequent proceedings before Judge Schilling, the judge makes reference to an ''order" in which Judge Maynard directed the Neffs to submit an affidavit for attorney fees. The record on appeal does not include the order, court minutes or any transcript of proceedings before Judge Maynard.

2 . After making his own finding that the action had been pursued unreasonably and without foundation, Judge Schilling noted that Judge Maynard must have "concurred in this assessment in that there seems to be no other logical reason for his requesting submission of attorney fees incurred by defendants Neff.” We note, however, that it is not uncommon for a court to state its decision on the merits of a controversy without mentioning costs or attorney fees. Upon inquiry by the prevailing party about whether he will be entitled to attorney fees, the court sometimes simply will direct him to submit an affidavit so that the claim for fees can be properly presented and later decided. I.R.C.P. 54(e)(5), (6) and (7).