Bartholomae v. Stellwagen

This is an action based on a decree entered in a divorce cause between the parties hereto. The plaintiff, whose name is now Bartholomae, seeks judgment for moneys claimed to be due under such decree.

Defendant moved to dismiss the declaration, alleging that the decree was not a money decree and therefore the circuit court (law) had no jurisdiction. The circuit court denied the motion, whereupon the defendant was granted our leave to appeal, wherein he seeks our writ to compel the circuit court to grant his motion.

In Stellwagen v. Stellwagen, ante, 412, the decree involved was before us. We there held that the provision in the decree for the payment of $18,000 "was a money decree." This decree for such money was final. In Toth v. Toth, 242 Mich. 23 (56 A.L.R. 839), we held that:

"A judgment or decree for money that is final is a debt (17 C. J. p. 1372), and may form a basis of an action in garnishment."

See, also, Belting v. Wayne Circuit Judge, 245 Mich. 111.

We have been cited to no contrary authority. We hold, therefore, that the court had jurisdiction in this action based on a money decree.

As to those items in the decree which refer to alimony payments and attorney fees and which have been declared on in this suit, an action at law will not lie. Stellwagen v.Stellwagen, supra; Belting v. Wayne Circuit Judge, supra; Toth v. Toth, supra; and Winter v. Winter, 270 Mich. 707. On proper motion these items should be stricken from the declaration.

The writ is denied, with costs to plaintiff.

NORTH, C.J., and FEAD, WIEST, BUTZEL, BUSHNELL and SHARPE, JJ., concurred. POTTER, J., did not sit.