DocketNumber: No. CV95 0146007 S
Citation Numbers: 1995 Conn. Super. Ct. 14434
Judges: <footnote_body>[EDITOR'S NOTE: This case is unpublished as indicated by the issuing court.]</footnote_body> HICKEY, J.
Filed Date: 12/22/1995
Status: Non-Precedential
Modified Date: 4/18/2021
On June 9, 1995, the plaintiff, Pat Gilbertie Plumbing Heating, filed a four count complaint in foreclosure of a mechanic's lien, breach of contract, unjust enrichment and quantum meruit against the defendants, Browning and Carolyn Holcombe, Scott DeMuth, Everett Bruce Robinson, Robinson Electric, Inc. and Prudential Home Mortgage Co. (Prudential). On July 10, 1995, the Holcombes and Prudential filed a motion to dismiss the action on the ground of lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The defendants also filed memoranda of law in support of the motion. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on July 26, 1995. On July 31, 1995, the defendants filed an objection to the amended complaint which was sustained by this court on October 23, 1995. The plaintiff filed a memorandum of law in opposition. on August 10, 1995. CT Page 14435
"A motion to dismiss . . . `properly attacks the jurisdiction of the court, essentially asserting that the plaintiff cannot as a matter of law and fact state a cause of action that should be heard by the court.'" (Emphasis in original.) Gurliacci v. Mayer,
"[I]n the absence of standing the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction to determine the merits of the case." Sadloski v.Manchester,
The defendants argue that the court is without subject matter jurisdiction because the plaintiff, Pat Gilbertie Plumbing Heating, is not a registered trade name or a corporation, and therefore is legally non-existent and without capacity to sue. The plaintiff claims that this is insignificant in that Pat Gilbertie is conducting business in his own name, and therefore, seeks to amend the summons and complaint.
"It is elemental that in order to confer jurisdiction on the court, the plaintiff must have an actual legal existence, that is he or it must be a person in law or a legal entity with legal capacity to sue." (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Isaac v.Mount Sinai Hospital,
In the present case the plaintiff is denominated "Pat Gilbertie Plumbing Heating." The plaintiff does not dispute that this entity is not registered as a trade name or as a corporation. The plaintiff argues that it is transacting business under its "real name." Therefore, the court must presume that the proper plaintiff is "doing business as" Pat Gilbertie Plumbing Heating. Pat Gilbertie Plumbing Heating does not have an independent legal existence, and thus does not have standing to initiate an action in this court. Accordingly, the defendants' motion to dismiss is granted.
HICKEY, J.