Melvin K. Drury Individually v. Hon Paul Isaacs Judge, Woodford Circuit Court ( 2015 )

IMPORTANT NOTICE
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED OPINION
THIS OPINION IS DESIGNATED "NOT TO BE PUBLISHED."
PURSUANT TO THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
PROMULGATED BY THE SUPREME COURT, CR 76.28(4)(C),
THIS OPINION IS NOT TO BE PUBLISHED AND SHALL NOT BE
CITED OR USED AS BINDING PRECEDENT IN ANY OTHER
CASE IN ANY COURT OF THIS STATE; HOWEVER,
UNPUBLISHED KENTUCKY APPELLATE DECISIONS,
RENDERED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2003, MAY BE CITED FOR
CONSIDERATION BY THE COURT IF THERE IS NO PUBLISHED
OPINION THAT WOULD ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE ISSUE
BEFORE THE COURT. OPINIONS CITED FOR CONSIDERATION
BY THE COURT SHALL BE SET OUT AS AN UNPUBLISHED
DECISION IN THE FILED DOCUMENT AND A COPY OF THE
ENTIRE DECISION SHALL BE TENDERED ALONG WITH THE
DOCUMENT TO THE COURT AND ALL PARTIES TO THE
ACTION.
RENDERED: DECEMBER 18, 2014
uprrtur (Court Ifir B HL
2013-SC-000815-MR
MELVIN K. DRURY, INDIVIDUALLY, ET AL
DAT APPELLANTS
ON APPEAL FROM COURT OF APPEALS
V. CASE NO. 2013-CA-001184
WOODFORD CIRCUIT COURT NO. 11-CI-00498
HON. PAUL ISAACS APPELLEE
JUDGE, WOODFORD CIRCUIT COURT
AND
GARY FLORA, INDIVIDUALLY, ETC., ET AL REAL PARTIES IN INTEREST
MEMORANDUM OPINION OF THE COURT
AFFIRMING
This case involves an incredibly complicated factual pattern. The
following is an attempt to simplify the facts and bring into focus the legal
issues before us.
Melvin 0. Flora ("Melvin Sr.") and his wife, Florence Flora, were the
parents of three children—sons, Gary and Bobby, and daughter, Barbara
Drury. Each executed separate Wills, with Melvin Sr. leaving all his property to
his wife Florence. He died in July 2009. Florence had a Will and two
subsequent Codicils. Her Will divided her estate evenly among her three
children. In addition, Florence's Codicils provided for the division of the family
farms with each of her three children receiving certain identified tracts.
However, before her death and about a year after her husband died, Florence
suffered a debilitating stroke. Not long after her stroke, on November 16, 2010,
Florence executed several documents conveying all of her property to her
daughter Barbara. One of the documents Florence executed was a Trust which
revoked her Last Will and Codicils. Florence also signed several deeds of
conveyance transferring all of the family farms to Barbara. Leslie Dean, the
wife of Florence's grandson, Melvin, who is also the daughter-in-law of
Barbara, is a Kentucky lawyer. She was the individual who prepared these
documents and counseled Florence to sign. As a result, Melvin and Leslie
stood to eventually inherit all of Florence's estate, thereby excluding Florence's
sons, Gary and Bobby, Barbara's brothers. Needless to say, this did not bode
well for family harmony and good will.
Guardianship Action
The first volley was fired even before Florence, the matriarch of the
family, died. On January 24, 2011, her son Gary filed a Disability Petition in
the Woodford District Court. Commonwealth of Kentucky, et al. v. Flora,
Woodford District Court, No. 11-H-00002-001. Gary petitioned the trial court
to rule that his mother was disabled and that he be appointed her guardian.
Gary felt this was necessary to protect Florence from further exploitation at the
hands of his sister Barbara, nephew Melvin, and Melvin's wife Leslie. A
hearing was held in June of 2011, during which Florence testified. Florence
was not capable of identifying members of her family, their spouses and
children, nor was she able to describe her properties or assets. As such, the
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trial court determined that Florence was unable to manage her own financial
affairs and could not make decisions concerning the disposition of her
property. Gary was appointed as Florence's guardian.
Barbara and Melvin Drury's Estates
Tragically, things quickly got more complicated. Barbara and her
husband, William Drury, were involved in a fatal car accident on May 24, 2011.
Barbara died instantly, with her entire estate being passed to her husband.
However, William passed away several weeks later. Their son Melvin was
appointed as personal representative and administrator for his mother and
father's estates. With the death of both parents, Melvin and his siblings Byron
and Regina stood as heirs to inherit what Florence conveyed to Barbara via the
November 16, 2010, documents. In an attempt to invalidate this potential loss
of their inheritance, Gary and Bobby filed the underlying suit in the Woodford
Circuit Court against Leslie, Melvin, and as will be explained, their Limited
Liability Company, Rasa Properties, LLC (collectively referred to as
"Petitioners"). Flora, et al. v. Dean, et al., 11-CI-00498, Woodford Circuit Court.
Byron subsequently joined Gary and Bobby as a party plaintiff in the action
(collectively referred to as "Respondents").
The legal maneuvering became even more complicated when Florence
died on January 28, 2012, during the pendency of the underlying action. On
February 2, 2012, mere days after Florence's death, Melvin and Leslie
contacted Nevada asset protection expert Derrick Rowley. Melvin and Leslie
were facing a substantial amount of debt and were attempting to protect their
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new found inheritance. Rowley instructed the couple to create a Nevada
Corporation in order to avoid judgment creditors. Accordingly, Leslie and
Melvin created Rasa. Leslie then drafted numerous quitclaim deeds, dated
February 13, 2012. These deeds transferred the family farms to Rasa at the
exclusion of Gary and Bobby. Subsequently, a lis pendens was filed with the
Woodford County Clerk on the subject properties. On February 15, 2012, the
Fayette Circuit Court issued a two million dollar Judgment and Order of Sale
against Leslie and Melvin as owners of a limited liability company. Forcht
Bank, NA v. Eagle View One, LLC, et al., 11 CI 3482, Fayette Circuit Court.
- -
Florence Flora's Probate Proceedings
Meanwhile, the estate of the parent benefactor, Florence, had to be
settled. Gary and Bobby filed competing petitions against Melvin and Leslie in
Florence's probate proceeding in the Woodford District Court. See In re: Estate
of Florence Flora, Woodford District Court, No. 12-P-00022. Gary and Bobby
petitioned the trial court to admit to probate Florence's Will and Codicils. Gary
also petitioned the trial court to name him administrator of Florence's estate,
as provided for in her Will. On the other hand, Melvin and Leslie filed a
petition requesting to register Florence's Trust signed on November 16, 2010.
As mentioned, the Trust supposedly revoked Florence's previous Will and
Codicils and named Melvin as the administrator of her estate. Essentially, the
trial court was tasked with determining whether Florence had the mental
capacity to execute the Trust on November 16, 2010. If so, Florence's Trust
would govern, thereby rendering her passing intestate. Moreover, such a ruling
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would provide validity to the other November 16, 2010, instruments conveying
all of Florence's property, including the family farms to Barbara, and thus
Melvin and Leslie.
On March 14, 2012, the trial court conducted a hearing on whether to
probate Florence's Will and Codicils. Gary and Byron both testified in support
of Florence's Will and Codicils. Gary testified that his mother and father
intended on evenly dividing their property amongst their three children. Gary
further explained that during the time period surrounding November 16, 2010,
his mother was unable to accurately communicate due to her stroke and
exhibited signs of poor decision making. Upon further inspection of Florence's
medical records, the trial court found that Florence had "difficulty answering
yes/no to multiple units" and had "very poor short-term memory." Byron also
testified and stated that his grandmother was not of sound mind in November
of 2010. Despite the fact that Byron stood to inherit a substantial portion of
his mother Barbara's estate, and therefore Florence's estate, he nevertheless
explained that his grandmother never indicated to him that she wanted to
change the distribution of her estate. Instead, Byron revealed that his mother
along with Melvin and Leslie sought to disinherit Bobby. It was disclosed that
Barbara and Bobby had a history of bad blood. In fact, Bobby was indicted in
the Fayette Circuit Court for the attempted murder of Barbara. Lastly, Melvin
took the stand and disclosed that he and Leslie were experiencing financial
problems. Melvin even acknowledged that the previously mentioned Judgment
and Order of Sale could be satisfied if Florence's Trust was ruled to be valid.
5
On March 28, 2012, the trial court made its ruling. After hearing the
above-referenced testimony, and after watching Florence's testimony during
her previous guardianship hearing, the trial court determined that Florence's
mental ability was impaired on November 16, 2010. Since Florence was of
unsound mind at the time she executed the Trust document, it was ruled
invalid and unenforceable. Florence's Will and Codicils were admitted to
probate with Gary serving as the executor of Florence's estate. Any further
transfer of Florence's property was prohibited without prior approval from the
trial court.
Settlement Agreement
The ruling of the Woodford District Court altered considerably the legal
positions of the parties. As a result, on September 14, 2012, all the parties
involved in the various suits executed a Global Settlement Agreement and
Mutual Release of All Claims ("Settlement Agreement"). The Settlement
Agreement disposed of all pending issues in the underlying action and all other
pending actions among the parties. In regards to the family farms, the
Settlement Agreement specified that the properties were to be divided as they
were originally in Florence's Codicils.
On October 11, 2012, in a related case between the parties, Flora, et al.
v. Drury, et al., Woodford Circuit Court, 11-CI-00055, the Woodford Circuit
Court entered an order approving the Settlement Agreement. On that same
day, Judge Isaacs acknowledged the Woodford Circuit Court's approval of the
Settlement Agreement and dismissed the underlying action with prejudice.
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In a perfect world, that would have been the end of this bruising family
squabble. Alas, it was not to be. The devil in the case would move to the
details.
Execution and Preparation of Quitclaim Deeds
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the shelter corporation Rasa was
to execute quitclaim deeds relinquishing any ownership interests or rights it
had in the family farms deeded to it by Melvin and Leslie as previously
mentioned. The reader will be spared all of the insufferable details of the
disagreement which followed as to the drafting of these documents.
By early 2013, it became obvious that the parties had reached an
impasse in the wording of the quitclaim deeds. In March of 2013, Respondents
filed separate motions in the underlying case claiming that Petitioners were
failing to comply with the terms of the Settlement Agreement by refusing to
provide the required quitclaim deeds. Consequently, Respondents filed a
motion with the trial court to proceed pursuant to Kentucky Rule of Civil
Procedure ("CR") 70. This rule provides that a trial court may direct a party to
comply with a judgment involving the conveyance of land. In addition, this rule
allows the trial court to appoint another individual to convey the land for the
disobedient party.
After a hearing, Judge Isaacs ordered the parties to reach an agreement
regarding the language of the quitclaim deeds by April 19, 2013, or the court
would refer the matter to the Master Commissioner for a recommendation as to
the appropriate language to be used in the deeds. The parties failed to reach
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an agreement. On June 12, 2013, Judge Isaacs entered an order referring the
case to the Master Commissioner of the Scott Circuit Court for the purpose of
drafting the recommended deed language for the transfer of the family farms as
required by the Settlement Agreement. The Master Commissioner was
specifically allowed to conduct conferences or hearings to gain the parties'
participation in formulating her recommendation. As the trial court's order
reflects, the Master Commissioner was instructed to create appropriate deeds
of conveyance and to construct a report discussing her recommendations.
Afterwards, the parties were free to object to the recommendation and could be
heard on those objections.
Petition for Extraordinary Relief
On July 5, 2013, Petitioners filed a Petition for Original Proceedings for
injunctive relief in an appellate court pursuant to Kentucky Rule of Civil
Procedure 76.36. The petition requested extraordinary relief in the form of a
writ of mandamus or prohibition. Petitioners sought numerous orders,
including the following: (1) a writ of mandamus ordering Judge Isaacs to "void
his judicial actions taken in 2013"; (2) a writ of prohibition preventing Judge
Isaacs from taking "further judicial action" in the case; (3) a writ of mandamus
ordering Judge Isaacs to dismiss all legal action in the underlying case which is
against Melvin Drury, individually, as heir or as the personal representatives of
the Estates of Barbara Drury and William Drury; (4) a writ of prohibition
stopping Judge Isaacs from taking judicial action against the same; and (5) a
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writ of mandamus ordering Respondents to pay for the Petitioners' costs and
attorney fees.
While the action was pending in the Court of Appeals, Respondents
continued their attempt to enforce the settlement agreement. On September 4,
2013, they filed a motion with the trial court requesting that it set aside its
previous October 11, 2012, final order dismissing the action pursuant to CR
60.02. Judge Isaacs ultimately signed Respondents' proposed order thereby
vacating its previous October 11, 2012, dismissal. Judge Isaacs explained that
regardless of how the need is characterized—whether mistake, inadvertence,
excusable neglect, or even extraordinary reasons justifying relief—Respondents
demonstrated a need to be relieved from the order dismissing the action so that
they may explore opportunities to enforce the terms of the Settlement
Agreement. Petitioners immediately supplemented their writ petition to include
a request for a writ mandating Judge Isaacs to vacate and void his order
granting Respondents' CR 60.02 motion.
Court of Appeals' Opinion
On December 10, 2013, in a terse opinion, the Court of Appeals denied
the petition for writ of mandamus and prohibition. The Court of Appeals'
opinion first cited Cantrell Supply, Inc. v. Liberty Mut. Ins. Co., 94 S.W.3d 381
(Ky. App. 2002), which held that a settlement agreement is an enforceable
contract. For that reason, the Court of Appeals concluded that the trial court
did in fact have subject matter jurisdiction to enforce the Settlement Agreement
despite the fact that it had previously dismissed the action in October of 2012.
9
Secondly, the Court of Appeals disposed of Petitioners' lack of personal
jurisdiction argument by simply stating that Petitioners failed to demonstrate
that they lacked an adequate remedy by appeal. Similarly, the Court of
Appeals refused to address Petitioners' additional grounds for the issuance of a
writ relating to CR 70 and Kentucky Revised Statute ("KRS") 396. Once more,
the Court of Appeals briefly mentioned that Petitioners failed to show a lack of
adequate remedy by appeal. Petitioners appealed the Court of Appeals' denial
to this Court as a matter of right pursuant to § 115 of the Kentucky
Constitution and CR 76.36(7)(a).
Writ of Mandamus and Prohibition
In Hoskins v. Maricle, this Court discussed the history and purpose of
writs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, along with the circumstances under
which they will be granted. 150 S.W.3d 1 (Ky. 2004). Writs of
prohibition/mandamus are reserved for "extraordinary cases and are therefore
discouraged . . . ." Cox v. Braden, 266 S.W.3d 792, 796 (Ky. 2008) (citing
Buckley v. Wilson, 177 S.W.3d 778, 780 (Ky. 2005)). Prior to determining
whether an extraordinary writ is appropriate, the reviewing court must first
determine if one of the following limited circumstances is present: (1) the
inferior court is acting or is about to act without jurisdiction and there is no
remedy through an application to an intermediate court, or (2) the inferior
court is acting or about to act erroneously, yet within its jurisdiction, and the
petitioner has no adequate remedy by appeal or otherwise and great injustice
10
and irreparable injury will result in the event the writ is denied.' Id. (quoting
Hoskins, 150 S.W.3d at 10). Even if the petitioner demonstrates these
requirements, it is still within the reviewing court's sound discretion to grant or
deny a writ of prohibition/mandamus. Southeastern United Medigroup, Inc. v.
Hughes, 952 S.W.2d 195, 199 (Ky. 1997) (citing Haight v. Williamson, 833
S.W.2d 821, 823 (Ky. 1992)). With these standards in mind, we now turn to
Petitioners' appeal which broadly argues that the trial court abused its
discretion in denying their petition. Petitioners supply this court with identical
arguments made to the Court of Appeals.
Trial Court's 2013 Orders
Petitioners first request a writ of mandamus to "vacate and void" all of
Judge Isaacs' "judicial actions taken in 2013." Along these same lines,
Petitioners also seek a writ "prohibiting the trial Judge to take further judicial
action in the case." Despite their use of rather broad language, Petitioners are
actually' requesting that we prohibit or void the June 12, 2013, trial court order
referring the case to the Master Commissioner, in addition to the September
11, 2013, trial court order setting aside its previous order of dismissal.
Since Petitioners are arguing that Judge Isaacs lacked jurisdiction to
render both orders, they believe the first categorical writ distinction applies. In
1 Within the second set of circumstances, a writ may be issued despite there
being a lack of irreparable injury if the petitioner can demonstrate that "a substantial
miscarriage of justice" will occur and it is "in the interest of orderly judicial
administration." The Independent Order of Foresters v. Chauvin, 175 S.W.3d 610, 616
(Ky. 2005) (quoting Bender v. Eaton, 343 S.W.2d 799, 801 (Ky. 1961)). Yet, even in
these special cases there must still be a showing that the petitioner has no adequate
remedy by appeal or otherwise. Id. at 617.
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support of this position, Petitioners rely heavily on Newell Enterprises, Inc. v.
Bowling, 158 S.W.3d 750 (Ky. 2005), overruled on other grounds by Interactive
Media Entm't and Gaming Ass'n, Inc. v. Wingate, 320 S.W.3d 692 (Ky. 2010). In
Newell, we upheld the denial of a writ. However, in dicta we opined that the
petitioner would have likely prevailed if he had asserted lack of jurisdiction and
proceeded under the first category, as Petitioners have done in this case.
While the case before us displays similarities to Newell, this Court
believes Newell is distinguishable. First, and as discussed more fully below,
Judge Isaacs proceeded under the civil rules of procedure which authorized his
post-dismissal actions. For example, CR 70 allows for additional court action
in the event a party fails to convey land or execute a deed as mandated by a
court judgment. Secondly, the trial court in Newell did not conduct a CR 60.02
hearing and therefore proceeded despite the existence of a valid order of
dismissal. Judge Isaacs, however, vacated his previous order of dismissal after
conducting a hearing on Respondents' CR 60.02 motion. Thusly, we disagree
that Newell requires this Court to evaluate Petitioners' writ petition under the
first clasS of writs analysis. On the contrary, this Court is of the opinion that
• Petitioners' writs actually fall within the second type of writ action.
As explained, Judge Isaacs entered an order approving the Settlement
Agreement on October 11, 2012. On that same day, Judge Isaacs dismissed
the underlying action pursuant to the terms of the approved Settlement
Agreement. Accordingly, once the Settlement Agreement had been approved
and integrated into the order of the trial court, it became, for all practical
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purposes, a "judgment." It follows then, that Judge Isaacs retained authority
to enter the above-referenced orders so as to enforce the Settlement Agreement.
See Akers v. Stephenson, 469 S.W.2d 704, 706 (Ky. 1970) (a trial court has
"the authority . . . to enforce its own judgments and remove any obstructions to
such enforcement."). The trial court did just that in its June 12, 2013 order; it
utilized CR 70 to direct the Master Commissioner to aid the parties in
effectuating performance of the Settlement Agreement's terms. See
Wheeler v. Ligon, 428 S.W.2d 215 (Ky. 1968). Moreover, the trial court vacated
its previous order of dismissal through the use of CR 60.02 in an effort to allow
Respondents to enforce the Settlement Agreement. We have no doubt that the
trial court had jurisdiction to act in this way. See Watson v. Humphrey, 170
S.W.2d 865, 866-867 (Ky. 1943) (a trial court "unquestionably ha[s]
jurisdiction to decide whether a judgment should be vacated or set aside and to
determine its ultimate effect and its conclusiveness as to other parties."). 2
Before we continue with analyzing the writ petition under the second
class of writ's standard, we will briefly address Petitioners' additional
jurisdictional arguments. First, Petitioners assert that the trial court does not
have personal jurisdiction over Rasa. Yet, this Court has previously stated that
a lack of personal jurisdiction does not automatically avail the Petitioners to
the first class of writs. See Goldstein v. Feeley, 299 S.W.3d 549, 553 (Ky. 2009)
2 There are few examples of circumstances in which a trial court would lack the
jurisdiction to grant relief pursuant to CR 60.02. If a CR 60.02 motion is granted pursuant to
subsection (a) through (c), or under the guise of (f), and a year has passed since the judgment
was entered, then jurisdiction may be lacking. See Asset Acceptance, LLC, u. Moberly, 241
S.W.3d 329 (Ky. 2007). Those circumstances are not present in the case before us.
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It is subject matter jurisdiction that is referred to in the categorization of writ
cases, not personal jurisdiction. Petrey v. Cain, 987 S.W.2d 786, 788 (Ky.
1999), overruled on other grounds by Masters v. Masters, 415 S.W.3d 621 (Ky.
2013).
Furthermore we believe Petitioners' res judicata argument is an attempt
to illustrate that the trial court no longer has jurisdiction to vacate its previous
dismissal and issue further orders in this action. Since res judicata is an
affirmative defense, we find that Petitioners' argument lacks merit and really
goes more towards the merits of the underlying case. Yeoman v.
Commonwealth, Health Policy Bd., 983 S.W.2d 459 (Ky. 1998).
Our inquiry now turns to the second prong of the first prerequisite which
asks whether Petitioners have an adequate means of redress, whether by
appeal or otherwise. Bender, 343 S.W.2d at 801 (stating that not having an
adequate means of redress is an absolute prerequisite to obtaining a writ).
Whether an adequate remedy by appeal exists is a pure question of law, which
we review de novo. Newell, 158 S.W.3d at 755. The Court of Appeals' opinion
simply concluded that Petitioners had not demonstrated that they lacked an
adequate remedy by appeal. Although lacking in analysis, we find no error in
the Court of Appeals' holding.
Having no adequate remedy by appeal or otherwise simply connotes that
the aggrieved party "could not thereafter be rectified in subsequent proceedings
in the case." Bender, 343 S.W.2d at 802. Petitioners have not demonstrated
such a harsh reality. In regards to the June 12, 2013, order referring the
14
matter to the Master Commissioner, Petitioners cannot point to any harm they
have since suffered. We can certainly anticipate that Petitioners may suffer
harm in the event the Master Commissioner recommends that the quitclaim
deeds state that the properties' titles passed through Florence's Estate.
However, if the Master Commissioner's recommendation is adverse to
Petitioners, they still enjoy a means of redress. As the June 12, 2013, order
explains, the parties may object to the Master Commissioner's
recommendation, and can even receive a hearing on those objections. Thusly,
Petitioners may rectify an adverse Master Commissioner recommendation by
pursuing subsequent proceedings at the trial court level. Furthermore, if the
trial court ultimately adopts an adverse Master Commissioner
recommendation, the parties may appeal such an order upon final adjudication
or dismissal of the case.
The above reasoning holds true in regards to the trial court's September
11, 2013, order granting Petitioners' CR 60.02 motion. The trial court
explained that it was not setting aside the Settlement Agreement; rather, it is
still in place and still approved by the court. The trial court clarified that it
vacated its prior dismissal so that it may "consider any further action
necessary to effectuate the terms of the Agreement," including enforcing the
terms against Rasa. Thusly, we find that it is clear that a dismissal will be
reached again in this case. At that time, Petitioners will have the opportunity
to appeal, if necessary. In other words, if Petitioners ultimately obtain an
adverse judgment due to the trial court reopening the case, they will have the
15
opportunity to rectify that judgment through a standard appeal. Toyota
Motor Mfg., Kentucky, Inc. v. Johnson, 323 S.W.3d 646, 649 (Ky. 2010). Such a
remedy is adequate despite it being annoying, inconvenient, or expensive. Id. at
653. Consequently, the Court of Appeals did not err in determining that
Petitioners did not demonstrate a lack of adequate remedy by appeal or
otherwise. 3
KRS Chapter 396
Petitioners also seek a writ of mandamus requiring the trial court to
dismiss any and all legal action in the underlying case which is against Melvin
Drury individually, and as the heir or personal representative of the Estates of
Barbara Drury and William Drury. In addition, Petitioners request a writ
prohibiting Judge Isaacs from providing any and all relief to Respondents in
this action which is against Melvin individually, and as the heir or personal
representative of the Estates of Barbara Drury and William Drury. In support
thereof, Petitioners argue that the trial court lacks jurisdiction to allow
Respondents relief which may be satisfied from the Estates of Barbara Drury
and William Drury. As Petitioners allege, "it is undisputed that Respondents
did not properly file and present claims as mandated by KRS Chapter 396 and
which is a statutory condition precedent to filing suit." In regards to
Petitioner's KRS Chapter 396 argument, the Court of Appeals merely concluded
3 This Court will not address whether Petitioners qualify for the "special cases"
exception to the issuance of . a writ because "the exception allows a petitioner to avoid
only the requirement of great and irreparable injury, not the requirement of lack of an
adequate remedy by appeal." Chauvin, 175 S.W.3d at 617 (citing Bender, 343 S.W.2d
at 801).
16
that Petitioners have "failed to demonstrate the lack of adequate remedy by
appeal." Despite the lack of analysis, we agree.
The record provided to the reviewing court in a writ action is abbreviated
and unsubstantiated. Cox, 266 S.W.3d at 797. The record in the case before
us is no different. As a result, this Court has no way of determining whether
Respondents truly failed to make a presentation of their claims in the Drurys'
Estates. In fact, a brief review of the record indicates that Respondents did
actually present their claims to the administrator of the Drurys' Estates. Yet, it
appears that Melvin disallowed these claims., Accordingly, this underlying
action may be the next procedural step required by the rules. Indeed, it may
be that Respondents commenced the underlying action as a separate collection
action against the subject estates and personal representatives. KRS
395.0551(1). However, the time limitations on such actions certainly appear to
be implicated based on the date in which the underlying action was filed.
This Court believes the more appropriate method of exploring the alleged
deficiency is a motion to dismiss the collection action due to failure to state a
claim pursuant to the applicable sections of KRS Chapter 365. We assume
Melvin may have filed such a motion, or he may have not. This Court simply
does not have a complete record to aid in making such a determination.
Nonetheless, if the trial court is proceeding in the face of violations of KRS
Chapter 365, then Petitioners may pursue the normal and usual avenues of
appeal available once an adverse final judgment is rendered. As such, the
17
Court of Appeals did not err in concluding that Petitioners failed to satisfy the
threshold requirement of a lack of an adequate remedy by appeal or otherwise.
Intermediate Relief
Lastly, we will address Petitioners' "Motion for Injunctive Relief to Order
Judge Paul F. Isaacs to Refrain from Further Action in 11-CI-498 and Stay
2013 Judgments Pending Appeal and Motion to Hear and Decide Appeal En
Banc."
Although not specifically cited, we assume CR 76.33 is the rule under
which their motion proceeds. This rule provides that an appellate court may
grant "intermediate relief upon a satisfactory showing that otherwise [the party]
will suffer immediate and irreparable injury before a hearing may be had on the
motion." An irreparable injury analysis, however, is no longer necessary since
Petitioners' motion is now moot. As this Court has explained, mootness occurs
when there is "a change in circumstance in the underlying controversy which
vitiates the vitality of the action." Commonwealth v. Hughes, 873 S.W.2d 828,
830 (Ky. 1994). Since the merits of this appeal have been adjudged, an
injunction and/or a stay of the Woodford Circuit Court proceedings is no
longer necessary. Petitioners' request for intermediate relief is hereby denied.
Conclusion
In summary, this Court finds that Petitioners have failed to meet the
threshold requirements for the issuance of a writ. Specifically, Petitioners have
not demonstrated that they lack an adequate remedy by appeal or otherwise.
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For the aforementioned reasons, we affirm the Court of Appeals' order denying
the petition for writs of mandamus and prohibition.
All sitting. All concur.
COUNSEL FOR APPELLANTS:
Leslie Dean
Attorney at Law
APPELLEE:
Hon. Paul F. Isaacs
Judge, Woodford Circuit Court
COUNSEL FOR GARY FLORA, ETC., REAL PARTIES IN INTEREST:
James Lee Deckard
COUNSEL FOR BOBBY FLORA, REAL PARTY IN INTEREST:
William K. Moore
COUNSEL FOR BYRON ROSS DRURY AND REGINA DRURY,
REAL PARTIES IN INTEREST:
Phillip M. Maloney
COUNSEL FOR CAROLYN CARROWAY, MASTER COMMISSIONER,
REAL PARTY IN INTEREST:
Carolyn Carroway
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