The Lewallen Revocable Trust v. Fifth Third Mortgage Company (mem. dec.) ( 2015 )

MEMORANDUM DECISION
Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D), this Jun 02 2015, 9:19 am
Memorandum Decision shall not be regarded as
precedent or cited before any court except for the
purpose of establishing the defense of res judicata,
collateral estoppel, or the law of the case.
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANTS ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE
F. Harrison Green J. Dustin Smith
Cincinnati, Ohio Plunkett Cooney, P.C.
Indianapolis, Indiana
IN THE
COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA
The Lewallen Revocable Trust, et June 2, 2015
al., Court of Appeals Cause No.
15A01-1409-MF-396
Appellants-Defendants,
Appeal from the Dearborn Circuit
v. Court.
The Honorable James D.
Humphrey, Judge.
Fifth Third Mortgage Company,
Cause No. 15C01-1102-MF-38
Appellee-Plaintiff.
Riley, Judge
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STATEMENT OF THE CASE
[1] Appellants-Defendants, the Lewallen Revocable Trust, et al. (Trust), appeal the
trial court’s Amended In rem Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure in favor of
Appellee-Plaintiff, Fifth Third Mortgage Company (Fifth Third).
We affirm in part and reverse in part.
ISSUES
[2] The Trust raises four issues which we consolidate and restate as the following
two:
(1) Whether the trial court erred when it deemed the Trust continued to
exist after the Trust’s one-half interest in the real estate devolved in
Randall C. Lewallen (Randall), holder of the other one-half interest in
the real estate, as the sole trustee and sole beneficiary; and
(2) Whether the trial court erred in concluding that Fifth Third is entitled
to a decree of foreclosure as to Randall’s one-half interest in the real
estate.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
[3] On June 28, 2004, Hugh Lewallen (Hugh) and Kay Lewallen (Kay) created the
Lewallen Revocable Trust (Trust), in which Kay was appointed as the Trustee.
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The Trust Agreement granted the Trustee the right to borrow and secure
payments of loans by pledging or mortgaging the property in the Trust.
Randall, Hugh’s and Kay’s son, is the sole beneficiary under the Trust.
[4] On November 5, 2004, Hugh and Kay conveyed the real estate, commonly
known as 21596 Weisburg Road, in Sunman, Indiana (the Property) to the
Trust via warranty deed. Less than three weeks after deeding the Property to
the Trust, Hugh and Kay, as Trustee, executed and delivered a $50,000
mortgage to Fifth Third Bank, which is the receiver for Fifth Third.
[5] On December 21, 2004, Kay, as Trustee, deeded a life estate in the Property to
Hugh and herself via Trustee’s Deed. On the same day, Kay, as Trustee, quit-
claimed a one-half interest in the Property to Randall via quitclaim deed, which
was duly recorded.1 After the recordation of the quitclaim deed, the Trust and
Randall each held a one-half remainder interest in the Property, while Hugh
and Kay held a life estate—all of which was subject to Fifth Third’s mortgage in
the amount of $50,000. Randall understood that when he accepted the
quitclaim deed, his one-half interest in the Property was subject to a mortgage
1
In accordance with the provisions of the Trust, the Trustee can “convey . . . transfer or exchange any
property held in the trust estates at any time at such prices and upon such terms and conditions and in such
manner as it may, in its sole discretion, deem advisable.” (Tr. Exh. H). Also, the Trustee is allowed to
“make, execute and deliver all contracts, deeds, assignments, powers and other instruments, and to do, in
general, any and all things for the preservation and management of the trust estates which it may, in its sole
discretion, deem advisable.” (Tr. Exh. H).
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and that, upon the passing of his parents, he would have to continue making the
mortgage payments.
[6] In the summer of 2005, Kay sought to refinance the debt underlying the $50,000
mortgage. In contemplation of entering into a mortgage-loan, Fifth Third
intended the forthcoming mortgage to be in first lien position and fully secure in
the Property. At the time of the refinancing, Randall was aware that his mother
was seeking another mortgage on the Property but considered this to be “her
deal,” which did not matter to him. (Appellants’ App. p. 296). Thus, on July
21, 2005, Kay, individually and as power of attorney for Hugh, closed on the
refinance with her execution and delivery of a $100,000 Note to Fifth Third. As
security for the Note, Kay, as Trustee, executed and delivered a $100,000
mortgage to Fifth Third, with the mortgage being duly recorded. Even though
Randall drove Kay to the closing of the loan documents, he did not inform
Fifth Third of his one-half interest in the Property.
[7] After the initial closing, it was discovered that Kay, in her individual capacity,
Hugh, and Randall had not executed the mortgage. In a situation where not all
the parties with an interest in the real estate execute the mortgage, it is Fifth
Third’s custom to return the original, executed mortgage to the title company
and have the mortgage executed by all persons having an interest in the real
estate. At some point after the initial closing, Hugh and Kay, in her individual
capacity, executed the $100,000 mortgage. Although Randall’s signature
purports to appear on the $100,000 mortgage, Randall denies ever having
executed the document. After its second execution, the mortgage was re-
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recorded. The proceeds underlying the $100,000 Note and mortgage satisfied
the $50,000 mortgage to Fifth Third Bank; paid down over $20,000 in
unsecured debts owed by Kay and Hugh; and resulted in $27,160.72 being
deposited in Randall’s bank account, which he spent in less than five months.
[8] Hugh and Kay both passed away in 2010. After their deaths, the life estate
reserved for Hugh and Kay terminated, such that the title to the Property
became vested in the Trust, as to a one-half interest, and in Randall, as to a one-
half interest. Pursuant to the terms of the Trust, the Trust’s one-half interest in
the Property was bequeathed to Randall, making him both the Trustee and the
sole beneficiary of the Trust’s assets. The Note and mortgage went into default
shortly after Hugh and Kay passed away. On January 17, 2011, Fifth Third
mailed a notice of default to Kay and Hugh at a PO Box in Sunman, Indiana.
[9] On February 24, 2011, Fifth Third filed its Complaint against Kay, Hugh,
Randall, and Unknown Occupants, seeking to foreclose the $100,000 mortgage
against the Property. On April 25, 2011, Fifth Third filed its Amended
Complaint, adding the Trust as a party to the cause. On May 17, 2011, Randall
filed his Answer to the Amended Complaint, as well as a counterclaim,
asserting that his signature on the $100,000 was forged and seeking damages for
spoliation of evidence, defamation, malicious prosecution, and fraud. Fifth
Third filed its Reply to the counterclaim on June 7, 2011, followed by an
Amended Reply nine days later. On June 16, 2014, the trial court conducted a
hearing on the Complaint and counterclaim. On August 26, 2014, the trial
court entered an Amended In Rem Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure in the
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principal amount of $92,920.09 in favor of Fifth Third. The trial court
concluded, in pertinent part:
B. As to [the Trust’s] ½ interest in the [Property], [Fifth Third] is
hereby granted a Decree of Foreclosure declaring its [m]ortgage to be
facially valid as to said ½ interest in the [Property] (hereinafter referred
to as “the Mortgaged Property”); (2) foreclosing the equity of
redemption of each Defendant in the Mortgaged Property, and any
person or entity claiming from, under or through any named
Defendant, upon expiration of the redemption period, (3) ordering the
Sheriff of this County to sell the Mortgaged Property to satisfy the
sums due and owing to [Fifth Third] pursuant to this judgment as soon
as said sale can be had under the laws of the jurisdiction governing
foreclosure sales of Mortgaged Property; (4) ordering the Sheriff of this
County or his/her representative to accept notice of cancellation from
[Fifth Third] prior to the time of the scheduled sale without further
order of court; (5) instructing the Sheriff of this County to issue a
proper deed or deeds to the purchaser(s) at said sale; (6) authorizing
[Fifth Third] to bid for the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof
with the indebtedness due to it pursuant to this judgment, said
indebtedness to be credited to the bid of [Fifth Third]; (7) declaring the
sale to be conducted without relief from valuation and appraisement
laws; (8) ordering that the proceeds generated from said sale be
distributed pursuant to [Ind Code] § 32-30-10-14, first to the costs of
the Sheriff’s Sale and any real estate taxes due and owing relating to
the Mortgaged Property, second to [Fifth Third] to satisfy the sums
due and owing pursuant to this judgment.
C. As to [Randall’s] ½ interest in the [Property], [Fifth Third] is
granted a decree of foreclosure as a result of [Randall] being estopped
from retaining the benefit of the loan proceeds underlying the $100,000
Note and mortgage such that [Fifth Third] is entitled to foreclose the
first $27,160.72 of sheriff’s sale proceeds as to said ½ interest.
***
F. [Randall’s] counterclaims are dismissed with prejudice.
(Appellants’ App. pp. 301-03).
[10] The Trust now appeals. Additional facts will be provided as necessary.
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DISCUSSION AND DECISION
[11] An action in rem is a proceeding that takes no cognizance of the owner but
determines the right in specific property against all of the world, equally binding
on everyone. Flesch v. Circle City Excavating & Rental Corp., 210 N.E.2d 865, 700
(Ind. Ct. App. 1965) (citing 1 Am.Jur.2d, Actions, § 40). As such, “Actions in
rem involve or determine the status of a thing, and therefore the rights of
persons generally with respect to that thing.” R & D Transport, Inc. v. A.H., 859
N.E.2d 332, 335 (Ind. 2006) (citing BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY 809 (8th ed.
2004). In an action in rem against land, “it is sufficient, in making any one a
party defendant, to allege that he has or claims to have some interest in the
property described in the complaint. It devolves upon a person thus made a
defendant to assert whatever title he may have, or claim to have, if he shall
desire to make a defense, or to rely upon his title.” Otis v. De Boer, 19 N.E. 317,
319 (Ind. 1889) (internal references omitted).
[12] The dispute before us centers on the rights vested in the Property, of which one-
half interest was held by the Trust and one-half interest by Randall. By virtue of
the $100,000 mortgage on the Property, the trial court granted Fifth Third a
Decree of Foreclosure on both halves.
I. Standard of Review
[13] Where, as here, the trial court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law
thereon pursuant to Ind. Trial Rule 52(A), our standard of review is two-tiered.
Dallas v. Cessna, 968 N.E.2d 291, 296 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012). We first determine
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whether the evidence supports the trial court’s findings and second, we
determine whether the findings support the judgment. Briles v. Wausau Ins.
Companies, 858 N.E.2d 208, 212 (Ind. Ct. App. 2006). Findings of fact are
clearly erroneous if they are unsupported by the findings and conclusions which
rely upon those findings. Id. In establishing whether the findings or the
judgment are clearly erroneous, we consider only the evidence favorable to the
judgment and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom. Id. While
conducting our review, we cannot reweigh the evidence or judge the credibility
of any witnesses, and must affirm the trial court’s decision if the record contains
any supporting evidence or inferences. Dallas, 969 N.E.2d at 296. However,
while we defer substantially to findings of fact, we do not do so for conclusions
of law. Id. We evaluate conclusions of law de novo and owe no deference to a
trial court’s determination of such questions. Id.
II. The Continued Existence of the Trust2
[14] Relying on the fact that he is the sole beneficiary of the Trust, Randall contends
that “[t]he whole title of the trust assets, equitable as well as legal, unified in the
same person, Randall, as the trustee and beneficiary, by the operation of law.
As a result of the merger of the equitable and legal title of the trust assets to the
2
Randall commences his appellate brief by contending that the mortgage is not enforceable because he and
the Trust never received pre-suit notice of the foreclosure proceedings pursuant to Ind. Code § 32-30-10.5-8.
We decline to address this argument as it was never raised before the trial court but rather it was presented
for the first time on appeal. See McKibben v. Hughes, 23 N.E.3d 819, 828-29 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014) (an appellant
who presents an issue for the first time on appeal waives the issue for purposes of an appellate review), reh’g
denied.
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same person, the Trust ceased to exist. Therefore, any foreclosure proceeding
against the Trust is void.” (Appellants’ Br. p. 13).
[15] In support of his argument, Randall primarily relies on the combined effect of
two sources. First, he refers to Ind. Code § 30-4-2-8, which provides, in
pertinent part, that “if the title to the trust property and the entire beneficial
interest becomes united in one (1) person, the trust terminates.” And secondly,
Randall cites to Ellsworth v. Homemakers Fin. Srvc., Inc., 424 N.E.2d 166 (Ind. Ct.
App. 1981), reh’g denied, where this court held that “the mortgagee’s acquisition
of the fee simple title results in a merger of the mortgage and the legal title, thus
vesting the mortgagee with the complete title, and extinguishing the mortgage.
However, merger does not necessarily follow from the acquisition of the land
by the mortgagee where, for example, it would work an injustice or violate well
established principles of equity.” Id. at 168 (internal references omitted).
[16] Nevertheless, we find the reported authorities not dispositive to the case at
hand. In order for the mortgage to extinguish, as Randall suggests, the fee
simple title and legal title must be acquired by the mortgagee. See id. Here,
Fifth Third, as mortgagee, never obtained the fee simple title to the Property,
which under the provisions of the Trust, was acquired by Randall. Moreover,
merely because the Trust ceased to exist by virtue of the transfer of the Trust
assets to Randall, it does not invalidate Fifth Third’s mortgage on the one-half
interest of the Property, which was held by the Trust. See, e.g., Condo v. Barbour
et al., 200 N.E. 76, 78 (Ind. Ct. App. 1936)(“[T]he title to personal property of a
deceased vests in the administrator or executor and the title to real estate vests
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in the heirs of such decedent, subject to any debts that the deceased might have
had at the time of his death[.]”). Accordingly, Fifth Third can pursue
foreclosure proceedings on the one-half interest in the Property that the Trust
held prior to the merger of the fee simple title in Randall.
III. Randall’s One-Half Interest in the Property3
[17] Randall’s main contention focuses on the trial court’s conclusion, awarding
Fifth Third a Decree of Foreclosure with respect to Randall’s one-half interest
in the Property on the ground that Randall is estopped from retaining the
benefit of the loan proceeds underlying the $100,000 mortgage. Specifically,
Randall makes a two-fold argument. First, he asserts that because he did not
sign the instrument, the mortgage did not secure his one-half of the Property.
While Fifth Third does not dispute the trial court’s finding that Randall did not
execute the Mortgage, it relies on the doctrine of equitable subrogation to assert
its entitlement to foreclose on the entire Property. Second, Randall contends
that by including his alleged signature on the mortgage document without his
knowledge or consent, Fifth Third altered the mortgage document and therefore
he maintains that the mortgage is void with respect to him. In turn, Fifth Third
reiterates the trial court’s argument and maintains that Randall is estopped from
3
Randall asserts that the trial court found him “personally liable.” (Appellants’ Br. p. 17). However, the
findings of the trial court belie his assertion as these explicitly state that Randall “is not personally liable on
the Note and did not sign the Note.” (Appellants’ App. p. 297).
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claiming an unburdened one-half interest in the Property. We will address each
argument in turn.
A. Estoppel
[18] Without any further explanation, the trial court concluded in its Decree that
Randall is “estopped from retaining the benefit of the loan proceeds”
underlying the mortgage. (Appellants’ App. p. 302). In its Appellee’s Brief,
Fifth Third expands on the trial court’s conclusion and relies on Wienke v.
Lynch, 407 N.E.2d 280 (Ind. Ct. App. 1980), to maintain that Randall is
estopped from asserting a one-half interest in the Property “free and clear”
because he “failed to say anything to Fifth Third or [the title company] when
his mother’s $100,000 mortgage-loan closed or before the filing of affirmative
claims herein.” (Appellee’s Br. pp. 16 & 17).
[19] In Wienke, a husband and wife owned property as tenants by the entireties. Id.
at 282. The wife conveyed property to another without the husband’s signature
on the deed. Id. At closing, husband was informed that his presence was not
needed and to wait outside. Id. Husband and wife divorced and five years after
wife’s conveyance of the property, husband sought to quiet title to the property,
claiming a legal interest therein. Id. Responding to husband’s claim that the
conveyance by one tenant of the entireties is void and therefore no equitable
defenses can be asserted by the grantee, we agreed that “the entireties
relationship could not be severed by the unilateral action by one tenant.” Id. at
283. We cautioned that “a finding that the conveyance is ineffective, however,
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does not lead to the conclusion that the underlying legal interest is immune
from equitable defenses of laches and acquiescence.” Id. Applying laches, we
could not “say as a matter of law that a five year delay does not constitute
laches. It is the inequity of the delay resulting in prejudice, more so than the
extent of the delay, that is pertinent. We defer to the trial court’s apparent
satisfaction of the element of delay.” Id. at 284.
[20] While we agree with Randall that, unlike the unseverable tenants by the
entireties relationship, the interest at hand is a separate right held by Randall in
his own name, which was granted to him by quitclaim deed. Nevertheless, as
we noted in Wienke, equitable doctrines “are directed at the actions, not the
legal interest of the party against whom they are raised.” Id. at 284. As such,
the trial court and Fifth Third rely on equitable estoppel 4 to place an affirmative
duty on Randall “to speak up” at the closing. (Appellee’s Br. p. 17).
[21] Estoppel is a judicial doctrine sounding in equity. Brown v. Branch, 758 N.E.2d
48, 51 (Ind. 2001). It is a concept by which one’s own acts or conduct prevents
the claiming of a right to the detriment of another party who was entitled to and
did rely on the conduct. Id. at 51-52. There are a variety of estoppel doctrines
4
Laches and estoppel are distinct and separate equitable defenses. Ryason v. Dunten et al., 73 N.E.74, 77 (Ind.
1905). Laches is an equitable doctrine, and requires: (1) inexcusable delay in asserting a known right; (2) an
implied waiver arising from knowing acquiescence in existing conditions; and (3) a change in circumstances
causing prejudice to the adverse party. Town of New Chicago v. City of Lake Station ex. Rel. Lake Station Sanitary
Dist., 393 N.E.2d 638, 652 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010). Here, the trial court explicitly concluded that Randall was
“estopped” from retaining the benefit of the loan proceeds[.]” Accordingly, we will not address the equitable
doctrine of laches.
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including: estoppel by record, estoppel by deed, collateral estoppel, equitable
estoppel (also referred to as estoppel in pais), promissory estoppel, and judicial
estoppel. Id. at 53 (citing 28 Am.Jur.2d Estoppel & Waiver § 2 (2000)). All,
however, are based on the same underlying principle: one who by deed or
conduct has induced another to act in a particular manner will not be permitted
to adopt an inconsistent position, attitude, or course of conduct that causes
injury to such other. Id. (citing 31 C.J.S. Estoppel & Waiver § 2 (1996)).
“Estoppels are as readily and fully recognized in courts of law as in courts of
equity.” 28 Am.Jur.2d Estoppel & Waiver § 3.
[22] Specifically, equitable estoppel is available only as a defense. 28 Am.Jur.2d
Estoppel & Waiver § 35. “The party claiming equitable estoppel must show its (1)
lack of knowledge and of the means of knowledge as to the facts in question, (2)
reliance upon the conduct of the party estopped, and (3) action based thereon of
such a character as to change his position prejudicially.” Money Store Inv. Corp.
v. Summers, 849 N.E.2d 544, 547 (Ind. 2006). The party claiming estoppel has
the burden to show all facts necessary to establish it. Story Bed & Breakfast, LLP
v. Brown Cnty Area Plan Comm’n, 819 N.E.2d 55, 67 (Ind. 2004). Equitable
estoppel may arise from silence or acquiescence as well as from positive
conduct. City of New Albany v. Cotner, 919 N.E.2d 125, 133-34 (Ind. Ct. App.
2009), reh’g denied, trans. denied. However, silence will not form the basis of an
estoppel unless the silent party has a duty to speak. Id. at 134.
[23] Without having to examine more than the first requirement of estoppel, we
conclude that Fifth Third is not eligible to rely on the doctrine as a defense.
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After Kay quitclaimed one-half of the interest to Randall, the deed was duly
recorded. “Deeds and mortgages, when properly acknowledged and placed on
record as required by statute, are constructive notice of their existence.”
Wienke, 407 N.E.2d at 286. As such, Fifth Third was constructively aware and
had the means of knowledge that Randall possessed a one-half interest in the
Property. See Money Store Inv. Corp, 849 N.E.2d at 547. Accordingly, Fifth
Third cannot now invoke the equitable defense of estoppel.
B. Equitable Subrogation
[24] Our supreme court redefined the doctrine of equitable subrogation, which has
been recognized in Indiana for more than a century, in Bank of New York v.
Nally, 820 N.E.2d 644, 651 (Ind. 2005). “The nature of equitable subrogation
is, as its name indicates, equity.” Neu v. Gibson, 938 N.E.2d 556, 560 (Ind.
2010). “Subrogation arises from the discharge of a debt and permits the party
paying off a creditor to succeed to the creditor’s rights in relation to the debt.”
Nally, 820 N.E.2d at 651 (citation omitted). In other words, “[t]he doctrine
substitutes one who fully performed the obligation of another, secured by a
mortgage, for ‘the owner of the obligation and the mortgage to the extent
necessary to prevent unjust enrichment.’” Neu, 938 N.E.2d at 560 (quoting
Restatement (Third) of Property § 7.6(a) (1997)); see also Nally, 820 N.E.2d at
653. “This avoids an inequitable application of the general principle that
priority in time gives a lien priority in right.” Neu, 928 N.E.2d 560 (citation
omitted). “In considering whether to order subrogation and thus bypass the
general principle of priority, courts base their decisions on the equities,
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particularly the avoidance of windfalls and the absence of any prejudice to the
interests of junior lienholders.” Id.; see also Nally, 820 N.E.2d at 653. Equitable
subrogation is “a highly favored doctrine which is to be given a liberal
application.” Nally, 820 N.E.2d at 652 (quoting Osterman v. Baber, 714 N.E.2d
735, 738 (Ind. Ct. App. 1999), trans. denied).
[25] Perhaps the case occurring most frequently is that in which the payor
[i.e., the party asserting a right to equitable subrogation] is actually
given a mortgage on the real estate, but in the absence of subrogation it
would be subordinate to some intervening interest, such as a junior
lien. Here subrogation is entirely appropriate, and by virtue of it the
payor has the priority of the original mortgage that was discharged.
This priority is often of critical importance, since it will place the
payor’s security in a position superior to intervening liens and other
interests in the real estate. The holders of such intervening interests
can hardly complain of this result, for it does not harm them; their
position is not materially prejudiced, but is simply unchanged.
Id. at 653 (quoting Restatement (Third) of Property § 7.6 cmt. e). Applying the
doctrine to a conventional refinancing, the Nally court noted:
A lender providing funds to pay off an existing mortgage expects to
receive the same security as the loan being paid off. Refinancings are
commonplace in today’s economy. Permitting a junior lienholder to
leapfrog the priority of the current senior mortgage would impair the
owner’s access to more favorable interest rates. Unless a junior
lienholder is disadvantaged by permitting subrogation, we see no
reason to give the junior lienholder in effect the right to block or object
to the refinancing. We conclude that a mortgagee who refinances an
existing mortgage is entitled to equitable subrogation even if it had
actual or constructive knowledge of an existing lien on the property
unless the junior lienholder is disadvantaged or the mortgagee is
“culpably negligent” . . . , but this remedy is subject to the rights and
limitations of the subrogor.
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Id. at 653-54. Accordingly, as long as the refinancing lender is not culpably
negligent, the refinancing lender is entitled to stand in the shoes of the senior
lien and retain its priority status. Id. at 654.
[26] Here, it is undisputed that as part of the refinancing process, Fifth Third paid
off the $50,000 mortgage to Fifth Third Bank. Accordingly, unless Fifth Third
Bank was prejudiced or Fifth Third was culpably negligent, Fifth Third, as the
refinancing lender, is entitled to stand in the shoes of Fifth Third Bank up to the
amount of $50,000 as to Randall’s one-half interest in the mortgage.
[27] One charged with “culpable negligence” may not be entitled to equitable
subrogation. Finance Center Federal Credit Union v. Brand, 967 N.E.2d 1080, 1084
(Ind. Ct. App. 2012). Culpable negligence “contemplates action or inaction
which is more than mere inadvertence, mistake, or ignorance” and “focuses on
the activity of the party asserting subrogation.” Id. (quoting Nally, 820 N.E.2d
at 654). While preserving the rights of intervening creditors who record their
interests is “plainly equitable,” leapfrogging a senior claim is “precisely what
equitable subrogation is designed to prevent.” Nally, 820 N.E.2d at 655.
[28] Although Fifth Third realized that it had made a mistake by omitting the
signatures on the original refinancing documents, it attempted to cure this
omission by returning the originally executed mortgage documents to the title
company and having the mortgage executed by Hugh, Kay, in her individual
capacity, and Randall. Asserting that his signature was forged, Randall
contends that Fifth Third’s reliance on a document that includes a forged
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signature amounts to culpable negligence under the doctrine. In particular,
Randall notes that Fifth Third, as the lender who hired the title company, is
responsible for the title company’s act of including a forged signature on the
mortgage documents.
[29] While not disputing the forged nature of Randall’s signature, Fifth Third
responds that there is no evidence supporting Randall’s agency argument. We
agree. In order to be held responsible for the acts of the title company, Fifth
Third must “give [the title company] authority to act on [its] behalf.” Mullen v.
Cogdell, 643 N.E.2d 309, 398 (Ind. Ct. App. 1994), reh’g denied, trans. denied. To
establish an agency relationship three elements must be shown: (1) a
manifestation of consent by the principal, (2) an acceptance of the authority by
the agent, and (3) control exerted by the principal over the agent. Id. These
elements can be proven by circumstantial evidence. Id. at 398. Here, evidence
was presented that Fifth Third instructed the title company to have the
$100,000 mortgage re-executed after the initial closing. Even if we consider this
evidence sufficient to establish an agency relationship, Randall failed to present
evidence that Fifth Third instructed the title company to forge his signature. See
Mid-Continent Paper Converters, Inc. v. Brady, Ware & Schoenfeld, Inc., 715 N.E.2d
906, 909 (Ind. Ct. App. 1999) (citing Conrad v. Olds, 37 N.E.2d 297, 303 (Ind.
Ct. App. 1941) (holding that the agent’s knowledge will not be imputed to the
principal if the agent acts in the adverse interest of the principal)). Accordingly,
as Fifth Third refinanced the underlying $50,000 mortgage and in the absence
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of culpable negligence, the bank is entitled to equitable subrogation and to
assert a priority over the mortgagee of the $50,000 mortgage.
C. Alteration of the Mortgage Document
[30] Although we find that Fifth Third did not commit culpable negligence and is
subrogated to stand in the shoes of the first mortgage holder; nevertheless,
Randall contends that the re-execution of the $100,000 mortgage by Fifth Third
constitutes a material alteration of the instrument which rendered it void.
[31] The material alteration of an instrument after its delivery, by a party who claims
the benefit of it, or by one under whom he claims, made without the consent of
the party against whom it is sought to be enforced, renders it void. Cochran v.
Nebeker, 48 Ind. 459, 462 (Ind. 1874). An immaterial alteration, no matter by
whom made, does not affect the validity of the instrument or the rights of the
parties. Id. An alteration is an act done upon the instrument by which the
meaning or language is changed. Id. The term is usually applied to the act of
the party entitled under the instrument, and imports some fraud or improper
design to change its effect, and therefore an alteration made by accident or
mistake could not have the effect to avoid the instrument. Id. Despite Fifth
Third’s insistence to the contrary, this rule has been made applicable to
mortgages. See, e.g., Bayse v. McKinney, 87 N.E. 693 (Ind. Ct. App. 1909);
McKinney v. Cabell, 57 N.E. 598 (Ind. Ct. App. 1900).
[32] In December of 2004, Kay, as trustee of the Trust, established a life estate on
the Property for the benefit of herself and her husband. The remainder interest
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of one-half of the Property remained with the Trust, whereas the other one-half
remainder interest was deeded to Randall by quitclaim deed. This quitclaim
deed was duly recorded. Accordingly, at the time Kay sought to refinance the
Property and contemplated entering into a $100,000 mortgage with Fifth Third,
Fifth Third was constructively aware that both the Trust and Randall held a
remainder interest in the Property. See Wienke, 407 N.E.2d at 286.
Nonetheless, only Kay, as trustee of the Trust, executed the $100,000 mortgage
on July 21, 2005. After the initial closing, it was discovered—the record is
unclear as to how the discovery was made—that Kay, in her individual
capacity, Hugh, and Randall, as parties having an interest in the mortgaged
Property had not executed the mortgage. Accordingly, Fifth Third initiated re-
execution proceedings during which the signatures of all interested parties were
purportedly procured. The trial court found—and this finding is uncontested by
the parties—that Randall “did not execute the [m]ortgage.” (Appellant’s App.
p. 299).5
[33] In Nicholson v. Combs et al., 90 Ind. 515, 515 (1883), our supreme court held that
“[i]t is settled law in this State that the material alteration of a promissory note,
made at the instance of the payee, and without the knowledge of the maker,
releases the latter from all liability on the note. It is also firmly settled that the
5
Although a signature purporting to be Randall’s appears on the mortgage, the trial court failed to enter any
findings as to whether the signature was forged and who had committed the forgery.
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addition of the name of a party as maker is a material alteration of the
instrument.” (internal references omitted).
[34] The parties do not contest that Kay and Hugh consented to the re-execution of
the mortgage. As such, the re-execution is valid with respect to the one-half
interest of the Trust. However, as Randall did not sign the mortgage—despite
the occurrence of his purported signature on the document—he did not give
consent nor did he gain knowledge of his incurred responsibility under the
document. Therefore, as Randall’s name and signature were added to the
mortgage without his consent or knowledge, the mortgage is void with respect
to his one-half interest in the Property. Consequently, the Fifth Third mortgage
with respect to Randall’s one-half interest in the Property is void based on the
material alteration of the mortgage document. We reverse the trial court’s
Decree with respect to Randall’s one-half interest in the Property.6
CONCLUSION
[35] Based on the foregoing, we affirm the trial court’s Decree of Foreclosure with
respect to the one-half interest held by the Trust; however, we reverse the trial
court’s Decree of Foreclosure with respect to Randall’s one-half interest in the
Property.
6
Because we reverse the trial court’s decree in favor of Randall, we need not address his arguments
contesting the trial court’s dismissal of his counterclaims.
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[36] Affirmed in part and reversed in part.
[37] Bailey, J. and Barnes, J. concur
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