Miller v. Cass

[Cite as Miller v. Cass, 2010-Ohio-1930.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
CRAWFORD COUNTY
JANE MILLER, ET AL.,
PLAINTIFFS-APPELLANTS, CASE NO. 3-09-15
v.
DOLORES CASS, ET AL., OPINION
DEFENDANTS-APPELLEES.
Appeal from Crawford County Common Pleas Court
Trial Court No. 09-CV-0222
Judgment Affirmed
Date of Decision: May 3, 2010
APPEARANCES:
W. Patrick Murray for Appellants
Victor D. Radel for Appellees
Case No. 3-09-15
PRESTON, J.
{¶1} Plaintiffs-appellants, Jane Miller and Louise Murray (collectively
“appellants”), appeal the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas’ judgment
entry dismissing their complaint against defendants-appellees, Delores Cass,
individually (hereinafter “Cass”), Dolores Cass as Trustee of the Doris Pittenger
Trust, Dolores Cass as Trustee of the Dolores Cass Trust, Doris Pittenger, Trustee
of the R.M. Pittenger Trust and Joint Trust (hereinafter “Doris”) (collectively
“appellees”). For the reasons that follow, we affirm.
{¶2} Jane and Louise are Reid M. Pittenger’s (hereinafter “Reid”)
daughters from his first marriage, and Cass is Doris’ only daughter from a
previous marriage. On July 14, 1992, when Reid was approximately eighty-nine
(89) years of age, Cass helped Reid select a Columbus attorney to prepare the Reid
M. Pittenger Trust (hereinafter “R.M. Trust”) and Reid’s last will and testament.
(First Amended Complaint, Doc. No. 10, at ¶¶1, 10); (Plaintiffs’ Exs. 1, 3). Reid’s
will disposed of his real and personal property by reference to the R.M. Trust.
Reid and Doris served as co-trustees of the R.M. Trust. On September 10, 1992,
Reid and Doris created the Reid M. Pittenger and Doris H. Pittenger Joint
Revocable Living Trust (hereinafter “Joint Trust”). (First Amended Complaint,
Doc. No. 10, ¶1); (Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2). Reid and Doris served as co-trustees of the
Joint Trust.
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{¶3} On July 3, 2002, Reid died, and his estate was never probated as all
his assets were in the R.M. Trust. (First Amended Complaint, Doc. No. 10, at ¶3);
(Plaintiffs’ Exs. 1, 3). Doris served as trustee of the R.M. Trust and the Joint Trust
thereafter until her death on January 9, 2009. (First Amended Complaint, Doc. No.
10, at ¶4).
{¶4} On April 24, 2009, Jane and Louise filed a complaint against
appellees alleging, in pertinent part, that: Trustee Doris ignored the mandates of
the trusts and illegally and improperly removed hundreds of thousands of dollars
from the trusts and deposited this money into trusts and funds for which Cass was
the beneficiary; Cass controlled Trustee Doris’ actions as she was in her eighties
(80’s) and was financially unsophisticated; Cass took control of Reid and Doris’
affairs when they were mentally feeble because of age; and Trustee Doris, under
the control of Cass, committed several breaches of her fiduciary duties, including:
illegally diverting funds and self-dealing, negligent management of assets, breach
of the trust agreement, spoliation of records, plundering trust assets, failing to
follow the grantor’s instructions, and conversion. (Complaint, Doc. No. 1); (First
Amended Complaint, Doc. No. 10).
{¶5} On May 19, 2009, appellees filed a Civ.R. 12(B)(6) motion to
dismiss for failure to state a claim. (Doc. No. 5). Appellees alleged that the
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complaint had to be dismissed against Trustee Doris as she was deceased, and that
the allegations against Cass fail because she owed Jane and Louise no duty. (Id.).
{¶6} On June 25, 2009, Jane and Louise filed a reply to the motion to
dismiss arguing that Cass could be held liable since she was a ‘de facto’ trustee.
(Doc. No. 8). On June 30, 2009, appellees filed a reply brief in support of their
motion to dismiss arguing that: Cass was not a trustee; Cass had no privity of
contract with Jane and Louise; and that Jane and Louise never alleged that Cass
was a ‘de facto’ trustee in the complaint. (Doc. No. 9).
{¶7} On July 2, 2009, Jane and Louise filed their first amended complaint
with substantially the same allegations, but added allegations with regard to the
appointment of a commissioner for Doris’ estate. (Doc. No. 10).
{¶8} On July 9, 2009, appellees filed a Civ.R. 12(B)(6) motion to dismiss
the amended complaint arguing that: Doris was not a proper party as she was
deceased; Cass was not liable as the complaint failed to set forth any duty; and
Doris was not acting as Cass’ agent. (Doc. No. 12).
{¶9} On July 16, 2009, Jane and Louise filed a response to the motion to
dismiss arguing that: Cass was a ‘de facto’ trustee as she controlled Doris’
finances and decisions; and Cass was liable for conversion and constructive trust.
(Doc. No. 14).
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{¶10} On July 27, 2009, appellees filed a reply arguing that: Cass was not
liable for conversion or constructive trust since Doris did not commit any
“wrongful act” as she had absolute discretion to manage the trust funds. (Doc. No.
15).
{¶11} On August 6, 2009, Jane and Louise filed a sur reply to appellees’
motion to dismiss arguing that: Cass exerted undue influence upon Reid when he
was executing the trust agreements and his will; Cass controlled Doris and aided
and abetted her in breaching her fiduciary duties; Cass supervised Doris’ negligent
handling of trust assets and ignoring trust provisions; Cass recklessly and
intentionally assisted Doris in ignoring the trust provisions; Cass plundered trust
assets for her own benefit; and Cass converted trust funds. (Doc. No. 18).
{¶12} On August 10, 2009, appellees filed a response arguing that the
terms of the trust agreement, attached to the complaint, provided Doris with
unfettered discretion to manage the trust funds; and therefore, Jane and Louise’s
complaint fails to allege any wrong. (Doc. No. 20).
{¶13} On August 12, 2009, appellees filed a motion to supplement their
Civ.R. 12(B)(6) motion asserting that Jane and Louise withdrew their motion to
reopen Doris’ estate. (Doc. No. 21)
{¶14} On August 14, 2009, Jane and Louise filed a motion to accept
supplemental documents in response to appellees’ Civ.R. 12(B)(6) motion wherein
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they informed the trial court that an application for the appointment of an
administrator for Doris’ estate was pending in Crawford County Probate Court.
(Doc. No. 22). That same day, Jane and Louise also filed a motion to amend their
complaint to name the administrator of Doris’ estate as a party defendant. (Doc.
No. 23)
{¶15} On September 3, 2009, the parties entered a stipulated order wherein
they agreed that: Jane and Louise will move the Crawford County Probate Court
to reopen the Estate of Doris H. Pittenger, and defendant Cass will not oppose the
motion and will accept appointment as administrator; the plaintiffs had filed a
motion to amend the complaint to name the estate in these proceedings; that the
trial court has all the legal issues before it, and the appointment of an administrator
does not affect the legal issues herein; neither party will appeal the trial court’s
ruling on the basis that the estate is not properly before the court; the trial court’s
ruling is binding upon all parties, including the estate of Doris Pittenger; and oral
argument as to the motion should be waived. (Doc. No. 24).
{¶16} On September 9, 2009, the trial court granted defendants’ Civ.R.
12(B)(6) motion to dismiss finding that the plaintiffs could not maintain an action
for conversion or constructive trust because the trust language gave Doris
discretion in handling the trust assets and exempted her from liability. As such,
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Jane and Louise failed to allege any “wrongful” act done by Doris; and they could
not recover against Cass if they could not recover against Doris. (Doc. No. 25).1
{¶17} On September 21, 2009, Jane and Louise filed a motion for
reconsideration. (Doc. No. 27). On October 2, 2009, Jane and Louise filed a
notice of appeal (Doc. No. 30). Jane and Louise now appeal raising eleven
assignments of error for our review. We have elected to combine appellants’
assignments of error where appropriate.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR A
THE COURT ERRONEOUSLY IGNORED THE
COMPLAINT AND MADE RULINGS OF FACT AND LAW
NOT RELEVANT UNDER A RULE 12 MOTION.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR H
THE COURT ERRED IN IMPROPERLY CREATING AN
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE FOR A DEFENDANT IN RULING
ON A RULE 12(B)(6) MOTION.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR G
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN IGNORING THE
ALLEGATIONS OF UNDUE INFLUENCE AND DURESS
AND DISMISSED PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT ON THE
SAME.
{¶18} In assignment of error A, Jane and Louise argue that the trial court
failed to apply the applicable standards under Civ.R. 12(B)(6) when ruling on the
1
On October 30, 2009, the trial court entered a nunc pro tunc entry clarifying that its judgment dismissed
the complaint and the case as to all defendants.
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motion. Specifically, Jane and Louise argue that the trial court failed to note any
deficiency in the complaint in its ruling, and that they should be allowed to present
evidence on the validity of the trust documents as well as the manner by which the
trusts were administered. In assignment of error H, plaintiffs allege that the trial
court improperly considered Trustee Doris Pittenger’s affirmative defense of a
release from liability under the R.M. Trust. In assignment of error G, plaintiffs
argue that the trial court erred by dismissing the complaint as to its allegations of
undue influence in the creation of the trust documents. We disagree.
{¶19} “A motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief
can be granted is procedural and tests the sufficiency of the complaint.” State ex
rel. Hanson v. Guernsey Cty. Bd. of Commrs. (1992), 65 Ohio St.3d 545, 548, 605
N.E.2d 378, citing Assn. for the Defense of the Washington Local School Dist. v.
Kiger (1989), 42 Ohio St.3d 116, 117, 537 N.E.2d 1292, 1293. For that reason, a
trial court may not rely upon evidence or allegations outside the complaint when
ruling on a Civ.R. 12(B)(6) motion. State ex rel. Fuqua v. Alexander (1997), 79
Ohio St.3d 206, 207, 680 N.E.2d 985. However, “[a] copy of any written
instrument attached to a pleading is a part of the pleading for all purposes”; and
therefore, the trial court may consider attached written instruments for purposes of
a motion to dismiss. Civ.R. 10(C); Davis v. Widman, 184 Ohio App.3d 705, 2009-
Ohio-5430, 922 N.E.2d 272, ¶18, citing Keenan v. Adecco Emp. Servs., Inc., 3d
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Dist. No. 1-06-10, 2006-Ohio-3633, ¶¶8-9, citing Slife v. Kundtz Properties, Inc.
(1974), 40 Ohio App.2d 179, 185-86, 318 N.E.2d 557. “If the plaintiff decides to
attach documents to his complaint, which he claims establish his case, such
documents can be used to his detriment to dismiss the case if they along with the
complaint itself establish a failure to state a claim.” Adlaka v. Giannini, 7th Dist.
No. 05 MA 105, 2006-Ohio-4611, ¶34, citing Aleman v. Ohio Adult Parole Auth.
(Apr. 24, 1995), 4th Dist. No. 94CA17. “Dismissals under Civ.R. 12(B)(6) are
proper where the language of the writing is clear and unambiguous.” Keenan,
2006-Ohio-3633, at ¶9.
{¶20} To sustain a Civ.R. 12(B)(6) dismissal, “it must appear beyond
doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of the claim that would
entitle the plaintiff to relief.” LeRoy v. Allen, Yurasek, & Merklin, 114 Ohio St.3d
323, 2007-Ohio-3608, 872 N.E.2d 254, ¶14, citing Doe v. Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, 109 Ohio St.3d 491, 2006-Ohio-2625, 849 N.E.2d 268, ¶11.
Additionally, the complaint’s allegations must be construed as true, and any
reasonable inferences must be construed in the nonmoving party’s favor. Id., citing
Maitland v. Ford Motor Co., 103 Ohio St.3d 463, 2004-Ohio-5717, 816 N.E.2d
1061, ¶11; Kenty v. Transamerica Premium Ins. Co. (1995), 72 Ohio St.3d 415,
418, 650 N.E.2d 863.
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{¶21} When reviewing a Civ.R. 12(B)(6) decision, this Court must
determine whether the complaint’s allegations constitute a statement of a claim
under Civ.R. 8(A). Keenan, 2006-Ohio-3633, at ¶7. “All that the civil rules
require is a short, plain statement of the claim that will give the defendant fair
notice of the plaintiff’s claim and the grounds upon which it is based.” Patrick v.
Wertman (1996), 113 Ohio App.3d 713, 716, 681 N.E.2d 1385, citing Kelley v. E.
Cleveland (Oct. 28, 1982), 8th Dist. No. 44448. See, also, Civ.R. 8(A)(1). When
filing a claim pursuant to Civ.R. 8(A), “[a] party is not required to “plead the legal
theory of recovery”; furthermore, “a pleader is not bound by any particular theory
of a claim but that the facts of the claim as developed by the proof establish the
right to relief.” Illinois Controls, Inc. v. Langham (1994), 70 Ohio St.3d 512, 526,
639 N.E.2d 771. Indeed, “that each element of [a] cause of action was not set
forth in the complaint with crystalline specificity” does not render it fatally
defective and subject to dismissal. Border City Sav. & Loan Ass’n v. Moan (1984),
15 Ohio St.3d 65, 66, 472 N.E.2d 350. See, also, Parks v. Parks (Mar. 5, 1998), 3d
Dist No. 1-97-60, at *2. However,
the complaint must contain either direct allegations on every
material point necessary to sustain a recovery on any legal
theory, even though it may not be the theory suggested or
intended by the pleader, or contain allegations from which an
inference fairly may be drawn that evidence on these material
points will be introduced at trial.
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Fancher v. Fancher (1982), 8 Ohio App.3d 79, 83, 455 N.E.2d 1344, citing 5
Wright & Miller, Federal Practice & Procedure: Civil (1969), at 120-123, Section
1216.
{¶22} This Court reviews de novo a trial court’s decision to grant or deny a
Civ.R. 12(B)(6) motion. RMW Ventures, L.L.C. v. Stover Family Invest.,
L.L.C., 161 Ohio App.3d 819, 2005-Ohio-3226, 832 N.E.2d 118, ¶8, citing Hunt v.
Marksman Prod. (1995), 101 Ohio App.3d 760, 762, 656 N.E.2d 726. This Court
may substitute, without deference, its judgment for that of the trial court when
reviewing de novo. Castlebrook, Ltd. v. Dayton Properties Ltd. Partnership
(1992), 78 Ohio App.3d 340, 346, 604 N.E.2d 808.
{¶23} In its judgment entry, the trial court set forth the correct Civ.R.
12(B)(6) standard when ruling on the motion to dismiss. (Sept. 9, 2009 JE, Doc.
No. 25). Therefore, contrary to plaintiffs’ assertions the trial court applied the
correct standard when ruling upon the motion to dismiss. As such, plaintiffs’
assignment of error A lacks merit.
{¶24} Plaintiffs further allege that the trial court created an affirmative
defense by improperly considering the release from liability provided to trustee
Doris Pittenger under the terms of the R.M. Trust. This argument too lacks merit
because the trial court may consider the trust language for purposes of a motion to
dismiss. Civ.R. 10(C); Davis, 2009-Ohio-5430, at ¶18, citing Keenan, 2006-Ohio-
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3633, at ¶¶8-9, citing Slife, 40 Ohio App.2d at 185-86. As such, plaintiffs’
assignment of error H lacks merit.
{¶25} Next, plaintiffs assert in assignment of error G that the trial court
erred by dismissing their claim of undue influence in the creation of the trust
agreements.
A trust is void to the extent its creation was induced by fraud,
duress, or undue influence. As used in this section, “fraud,”
“duress,” and “undue influence” have the same meanings for
trust validity purposes as they have for purposes of determining
the validity of a will.
R.C. 5804.06. “The elements of undue influence include the following: (1) a
susceptible party; (2) another’s opportunity to exert influence; (3) the fact of
improper influence exerted or attempted; and (4) the result showing the effect of
such improper influence.” Lah v. Rogers (1998), 125 Ohio App.3d 164, 171, 707
N.E.2d 1208, citing Krischbaum v. Dillon (1991), 58 Ohio St.3d 58, 65, 567
N.E.2d 1291; West v. Henry (1962), 173 Ohio St. 498, 510-11, 184 N.E.2d 200.
“Undue influence” requires a two-step inquiry: first, it must be determined
whether the transaction was the result of influence brought to bear upon the
susceptible party; and second, it must be determined whether that influence was
actually “undue.” Id., citing Dillon, 58 Ohio St.3d at 68.
{¶26} The Ohio Supreme Court defined “undue influence” in West v.
Henry as follows:
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Similarly, ‘undue influence to avoid a will, must so overpower
and subjugate the mind of the testator as to destroy his free
agency and make him express the will of another rather than his
own, and the mere presence of influence is not sufficient. Undue
influence must be present or operative at the time of the
execution of the will resulting in dispositions which the testator
would not otherwise have made.’ 94 C.J.S. Wills § 224, p. 1064.
General influence, however strong or controlling, is not undue
influence unless brought to bear directly upon the act of making
the will. If the will or codicil, as finally executed, expresses the
will, wishes and desires of the testator, the will is not void because
of undue influence.
***
The mere existence of undue influence, or an opportunity to
exercise it, although coupled with an interest or motive to do so, is
not sufficient, but such influence must be actually exerted on the
mind of the testator with respect to the execution of the will in
question. It must be shown that such influence, whether exerted at
the time of the making of the will or prior thereto, was operative at
the time of its execution or was directly connected therewith. It
must be shown that undue influence was exercised with the
object of procuring a will in favor of particular parties.
173 Ohio St. at 501 (emphasis in original). “To determine whether the particular
influence was undue, a court must consider ‘whether the influence was reasonable,
given all the prevailing facts and circumstances.’ ” Jackson v. Jackson, 3d Dist.
No. 11-07-11, 2008-Ohio-1482, ¶11, quoting Dillon, 58 Ohio St.3d at 68.
{¶27} The complaint herein alleged, in pertinent part, that:
Dolores Cass took control of the affairs of Reid Pittenger and
Doris Pittenger at a time in their lives when they were mentally
feeble because of age. She convinced Reid Pittenger to abandon
his long-time attorney in Galion, Ohio and to allow her to direct
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all matters concerning his estate. She selected a Columbus
attorney unknown to him and directed him on the types of
testamentary and legal instruments he would need. She
convinced him that he no longer needed the counsel and advice
from his attorney son-in-law. She also directed and controlled
Doris Pittenger in all of her legal matters and actions.
(First Amended Complaint, Doc. No. 10, at ¶10.). Construing this allegation in a
light most favorable to plaintiffs as the non-moving party, we cannot conclude the
complaint alleges a cause of action for undue influence. Although it appears from
the complaint that plaintiffs allege that Cass convinced her step-father to abandon
his “long-time” local attorney and seek different counsel, the complaint fails to
allege that Reid or Doris’ will was overcome and that they did not exercise their
independent judgment. Henry, 173 Ohio St. at 501. Furthermore, and
importantly, Plaintiffs failed to allege that Cass’ influence “result[ed] in
dispositions which the testator[s] would not otherwise have made.” Id. The only
allegations of negative ‘effects’ of Cass’ influence upon the grantors concern the
administration of the trust agreements by Trustee Doris Pittenger, not, as is
required, allegations that Cass’ influence affected the execution of the trust
agreements by Reid and Doris Pittenger. Henry, 173 Ohio St. at 501. In fact, the
testamentary documents reflect that Reid gave plaintiffs an interest in his home
and contingent interests in those assets which remained in the R.M. and Doris
Pittenger Trusts. (Plaintiffs’ Exs. 1-3). Furthermore, as plaintiffs concede, Cass
was not a named beneficiary of the R.M. Trust or a devisee under Reid’s will.
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(Plaintiffs’ Exs. 1, 3). Finally, although Reid may have not sought his son-in-
law’s advice or counsel, he did name him as the first contingent executor of his
will and the successor trustee of the R.M. Trust. (Plaintiffs’ Exs. 1, 3). Viewed in
a light most favorable to plaintiffs, we conclude that the allegations made in the
complaint amount, at best, to allegations of “general influence” made by a
daughter to her mother and step-father, not “undue influence” as is required.
Henry, 173 Ohio St. at 501.
{¶28} For all these reasons, plaintiffs’ assignments of error A, H, and G are
overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR J
THE COURT ERRED IN UTILIZING TWO PARAGRAPHS
OUT OF CONTEXT IN DISMISSING PLAINTIFFS’
COMPLAINT. IT FURTHER ERRED IN IMPROPERLY
INTERPRETING THE DISCRETIONARY POWERS
GRANTED UNDER THE TRUST DOCUMENTS.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR B
THE COURT MISSTATED THE LAW ON UNJUST
ENRICHMENT/CONSTRUCTIVE TRUST AND
ERRONEOUSLY DISMISSED THE COMPLAINT ON THAT
CAUSE.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR C
THE COURT ERRED IN DISMISSING PLAINTIFFS’
COMPLAINT WHICH ALLEGED CONVERSION OF TRUST
PROPERTY BY THE TRUSTEE AND HER DAUGHTER.
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ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR F
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN DISMISSING MULTIPLE
CLAIMS AGAINST A THIRD PARTY WHO ALLEGEDLY
ENGAGED IN IMPROPERLY CAUSING TRUST
PROPERTY TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE
DESIGNATED BENEFICIARIES TO A THIRD-PARTY NON-
BENEFICIARY.
{¶29} In assignment of error J, plaintiffs allege that the trial court erred by
interpreting the trust documents to give Trustee Pittenger “the power to do
anything she wished with the entrusted property.” (Appellants’ Brief at 19). In
assignments of error B and C, plaintiffs allege that the trial court erred in stating
the law governing constructive trusts and conversion, and that the trial court
thereby improperly dismissed their claims for the same. In assignment of error F,
plaintiffs allege that the trial court erred by dismissing their third-party claims
against Cass.
{¶30} A constructive trust is a:
trust by operation of law which arises contrary to intention and
in invitum, against one who, by fraud, actual or constructive, by
duress or abuse of confidence, by commission of wrong, or by
any form of unconscionable conduct, artifice, concealment, or
questionable means, or who in any way against equity and good
conscience, either has obtained or holds the legal right to
property which he ought not, in equity and good conscience,
hold and enjoy. It is raised by equity to satisfy the demands of
justice.
Estate of Cowling v. Estate of Cowling, 109 Ohio St.3d 276, 280-81, 2006-Ohio-
2418, 847 N.E.2d 405, ¶18, citing Ferguson v. Owens (1984), 9 Ohio St.3d 223,
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225, 459 N.E.2d 1293, quoting 76 American Jurisprudence 2d (1975) 446, Trusts,
Section 221. A constructive trust is considered a trust because “‘[w]hen property
has been acquired in such circumstances that the holder of the legal title may not
in good conscience retain the beneficial interest, equity converts him into a
trustee.’” Cowling, 2006-Ohio-2418, at ¶18, citing Ferguson, 9 Ohio St.3d at 225,
quoting Beatty v. Guggenheim Exploration Co. (1919), 225 N.Y. 380, 386, 389,
122 N.E. 378.
{¶31} “A constructive trust is an equitable remedy that protects against
unjust enrichment and is usually invoked when property has been obtained by
fraud.” Cowling, 2006-Ohio-2418, at ¶19, citing Ferguson, 9 Ohio St.3d at 226;
Aetna Life Ins. Co. v. Hussey (1992), 63 Ohio St.3d 640, 642, 590 N.E.2d 724.
“[A] constructive trust may also be imposed where it is against the principles of
equity that the property be retained by a certain person even though the property
was acquired without fraud.” Id., citing Ferguson, 9 Ohio St.3d at 226, citing 53
Ohio Jurisprudence 2d (1962) 578-579, Trusts, Section 88; V Scott on Trusts (3d
Ed.1967) 3412, Section 462. “In applying the theories of constructive trusts,
courts also apply the well known equitable maxim, ‘equity regards [as] done that
which ought to be done.’ ” Id., quoting Ferguson, 9 Ohio St.3d at 226.
{¶32} Similarly, “conversion is the wrongful exercise of dominion over
property to the exclusion of the rights of the owner, or withholding it from his
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possession under a claim inconsistent with his rights.” State ex rel. Toma v.
Corrigan (2001), 92 Ohio St.3d 589, 592, 752 N.E.2d 281, citing Joyce v. Gen.
Motors Corp. (1990), 49 Ohio St.3d 93, 96, 551 N.E.2d 172. The elements of
conversion are: (1) plaintiff’s ownership or right to possession of the property at
the time of the conversion; (2) defendant’s conversion by a wrongful act or
disposition of plaintiff’s property rights; and (3) damages. Dice v. White Family
Cos., Inc., 173 Ohio App.3d 472, 2007-Ohio-5755, 878 N.E.2d 1105, ¶17,
citations omitted.
{¶33} Finally, “[a] third person who has notice that the trustee is
committing a breach of trust and participates therein is liable for any loss caused
by such breach.” 91 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d Trusts, Section 497, citing Shuster v.
North American Mortg. Loan Co. (1942), 139 Ohio St. 315, 40 N.E.2d 130.
{¶34} The R.M. Trust agreement was made between Reid M. Pittenger, as
Grantor and as Trustee, along with his wife, Doris H. Pittenger, as Co-Trustee.
(R.M. Trust, Plaintiff’s Ex. 1). Upon Reid’s death, the trust estate was to be
divided into two trusts: Trust Number 1 (Marital Trust) and Trust Number 2
(Child/Children’s Trust). (R.M. Trust, Article II, Plaintiffs’ Ex. 1). With regard to
the Marital Trust, Doris, as trustee, was directed to “pay the net income of Trust
Number 1 to or for the benefit of [Doris] annually, or more frequently if [Doris]
directs.” (R.M. Trust, Article II, Section 8(a), Plaintiff’s Ex. 1) (emphasis added).
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Article II, Section 8(b) provided that “[Trustee Doris] may pay to or for the benefit
of [Doris] from time to time such amounts of the principal of Trust Number 1 as
[Trustee Doris] in [her] discretion may determine to be necessary or desirable for
the health, education, support, maintenance, comfort, and happiness of [Doris].”
(Plaintiff’s Ex. 1) (emphasis added).
{¶35} With regard to Trust Number 2, the trust agreement provided:
(a) [Trustee Doris] may in [her] sole discretion pay to or for the
benefit of [Doris] and the Grantor’s children and their issue so
much of the net income principal of Trust Number 2 as is
necessary for the health, education, support, and maintenance of
[Doris] * * * The welfare of [Doris] is Grantor’s primary concern,
and [Trustee Doris] shall be liberal in making payments of income
and principal to or for the benefit of [Doris]. However, [Trustee
Doris] shall not make payments of principal for Trust Number 2
to [Doris] until Trust Number 1 shall have been first exhausted
or until further liquidation of Trust Number 1 assets would, in
the sole discretion of [Trustee Doris], be inappropriate. [Trustee
Doris] is directed to consult [Doris] prior to making any
distribution of income or principal to any person other than
[Doris]. However, [Trustee Doris] shall not be required to follow
the recommendation of [Doris] concerning distribution of
income or principal from Trust Number 2.
(b) Upon the death of [Doris], trustee shall transfer the
principal of Trust Number 2 and all accumulations thereof by
proper instruments of conveyance to and among the children of
Grantor and their issue in such proportions and legal or
equitable interest as [Doris] shall appoint by specific reference to
this limited power of appointment in [Doris’] Last Will and
Testament. The purpose of this power of appointment is to
enable [Doris] to respond to changes in circumstance of
Grantor’s children and their issue which may occur subsequent
to Grantor’s death by adjusting the disposition of the assets of
Trust Number 2 at [Doris’] death.
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(R.M. Trust, Article II, Section 9(a), Plaintiff’s Ex. 1).
{¶36} Article III of the Trust provided that any of the principal of Trusts 1,
2, and 3, or all of the trust estate, should be held as a single fund for the benefit of
Grantor’s children and their issue divided into separate trusts under Article III.
(Plaintiffs’ Ex. 1). Article V, Section 11 provided that the “[Trustee Doris] shall
incur no liability for the reasonable and prudent exercise of or failure to exercise
any and all duties, powers, and discretions enumerated in this agreement or
conferred upon [Trustee Doris] by any provision of law.” (Plaintiff’s Ex. 1).
{¶37} The Reid M. Pittenger and Doris H. Pittenger Joint Revocable Trust
(“Joint Trust”) was entered into between Reid and Doris as Grantors and co-
trustees. (Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2). During Reid and Doris’ lives, the trustee (Doris or
Reid) was required to pay to Doris and Reid or apply for their benefit “all of the
net income of the trust, and such amounts or all of the principal as [they] may
request in writing from time to time[.]” (Joint Trust, Section 3, Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2).
Upon the death of one of the grantor-spouses, the trust property was to be divided
into two trusts: Trust A (the marital trust) and Trust B (the family trust). (Id. at
Section 5, Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2). With regard to Trust A, the trustee (Doris since she
survived Reid) was instructed to “pay to [Doris], on an annual basis and no less
frequently than quarterly, all of the net income of trust A beginning as of the date
of death of the first grantor-spouse’s death.” (Id. at Section 6(a)(i), Plaintiffs’ Ex.
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2). Doris, as trustee, was also instructed to “pay to [Doris] so much, none, or all
of the principal of Trust A as [Trustee Doris], in [her] absolute discretion, shall
deem necessary or advisable to provide liberally for [Doris’] health, maintenance
and support in reasonable comfort.” (Id. at Section 6(a)(ii), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2)
(emphasis added). Trustee Doris was further instructed to “pay to [Doris], * * *
an amount equal to the greater of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) or five percent
(5%) of the value of the principal of Trust A on the last day of each calendar year
as [Doris] may in writing request in each calendar year.” (Id. at Section 6(a)(iii),
Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2). Section 6(b) gave Doris the power to appoint the remaining
portion of the principal of Trust A “to such one or more persons or organizations
or [Doris’] estate, in such amounts, proportions, interests, or estates, and upon
such trusts, terms, powers, and conditions, if any, as [Doris], alone and in all
events, may appoint by [her] valid Will[.]” (Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2) (emphasis added).
{¶38} With respect to Trust B, the family trust, Trustee Doris was directed
to:
* * * distribute or accumulate, in [Trustee Doris’] sole discretion,
such portions of the income of this trust to, or for the benefit of,
[Doris] and children, in equal or unequal shares as [Trustee
Doris] deems advisable for their respective health, support,
maintenance and education, giving due regard to the respective
needs of each beneficiary, to the amount of income available to
them from other sources * * * and to their respective federal
income tax brackets.
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(Joint Trust, Section 7(a)(i), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2) (emphasis added). The Joint Trust
further provided that:
[Trustee Doris] shall also pay to [Doris] and to each living child
of ours so much, none or all of the principal of Trust B as
[Trustee Doris], in [her] absolute discretion, shall deem necessary
or advisable to provide liberally for the health, maintenance,
support in reasonable comfort, and education of [Doris] and
children, bearing in mind that our primary concern is for the care
and well-being of [Doris].
(Id. at Section 7(a)(ii), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2) (emphasis added). The Joint Trust also
provided that “[Trustee Doris] shall pay to [Doris], beginning with the calendar
year following the year of the first spouse’s death, an amount equal to the greater
of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) or five percent (5%) of the value of the
principal as [Doris] may in writing request in each calendar year[.]” (Id. at Section
7(a)(iii), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2) (emphasis added). Upon Doris’ death, the successor
trustee was directed to:
retain and distribute the remaining amount of principal of Trust
B (as augmented by additions from Trust A, from [Doris’
estate], or otherwise) in the following manner: (A). One-half of
the net trust estate to Jane E. Miller and Louise E. Murray in
equal shares per stirpes with the exception that if Jane E. Miller
predecease us, or die [sic] prior to receiving her full distribution,
then her share shall pass to Ann Louise Miller; (B) One-half of
the net trust estate to Dolores H. Cass per stirpes.
(Joint Trust, Section 7(b), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2). The Joint Trust provided the trustee
with several “rights, powers, duties, and immunities to be exercised without court
order or other authority upon such terms and conditions and at such times as the
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trustee determines in its absolute discretion[.]” (Joint Trust, Section 10(a)-(t),
Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2) (emphasis added).
{¶39} After reviewing the trust agreements in their entirety, with special
attention to the provisions highlighted above, we cannot conclude that the trial
court erred in dismissing Plaintiffs’ constructive trust, conversion, and third-party
claims. As an initial matter, although generally a court is required to assume the
allegations in the complaint are true for purposes of a Civ.R. 12(B)(6), a court is
not required to assume those allegations in the complaint are true, which the plain
language of an attached, incorporated document clearly refutes. LeRoy, 2007-
Ohio-3608, at ¶14, citing Maitland, 2004-Ohio-5717, at ¶11; Cleveland Elec.
Illum. Co. v. Pub. Util. Comm. (1996), 76 Ohio St.3d 521, 532, 668 N.E.2d 889(Moyer, C.J., dissenting), citing State ex rel. Edwards v. Toledo City School Dist.
Bd. of Edn. (1995), 72 Ohio St.3d 106, 109, 647 N.E.2d 799. See, also, Keenan,
2006-Ohio-3633, at ¶¶11-13 (noting that the plain language of the agreements at
issue contradicted appellants’ assertions and that the written agreement was an
insuperable bar to recovery). In an effort to limit Trustee Doris’ discretion under
the terms of the trusts, the plaintiffs alleged that “[s]he was permitted to draw on
the trust yields for “maintenance” and “reasonable comfort,” and that Doris had no
such needs over the seven-year period she was trustee. (First Amended Complaint,
Doc. No. 10, at ¶¶4-5). That is only a partial truth. The R.M. Trust allowed
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Trustee Doris to pay to herself, as the surviving spouse, income from the marital
trust annually or more frequently if she directed. (R.M. Trust, Section 8(a),
Plaintiffs’ Ex. 1). Doris was also permitted to draw from the marital trust
principal in her discretion, which was necessary or desirable for her health,
education, support, maintenance, comfort, and happiness. (Id. at Section 8(b)).
Doris was also given discretion to make payments of principal and income to
herself from the children’s trust after the assets of the marital trust were exhausted.
(Id. at Section 9). Reid also expressly indicated that Doris was his “primary
concern” and that she should be “liberal in making payments of income and
principal to or for the benefit of [herself].” (Id.). Furthermore, the joint trust
expressly defined the term “maintenance” to account for Doris’ previous manner
of living. (Joint Trust, Section 9(d), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2). Both definitions of “health”
and “support” also include the terms “but shall not be limited to,” indicating the
grantor’s intent to provide the trustee with discretion in administering the trust
funds. (Id. at Sections 9(c), (e), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2).
{¶40} The thrust of Plaintiffs’ complaint is that Doris never divided the
trust assets into marital and family trusts as mandated by the trusts, and that Doris,
as trustee, wrongfully caused funds to be withdrawn from the trusts for the direct
and indirect benefit of her daughter, Dolores Cass. These allegations, even if true,
fail as a matter of law under the express terms of the trust agreements. Under the
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terms of the the R.M. Trust, Trustee Doris was not required to physically segregate
the trust assets but could “hold them as an undivided fund for management and
investment purposes.” (R.M. Trust, Article II, Section 2, Plaintiffs’ Ex. 1). Under
the terms of the trusts, Doris was permitted to withdraw money from the trusts for
herself liberally, and the provisions read collectively evidence the grantor’s intent
for the same. That Doris placed the funds into accounts for which Cass was the
primary beneficiary is irrelevant. Furthermore, the joint trust agreement allowed
Doris, in her sole or absolute discretion, to give her daughter Cass family trust
funds for her health, education, support, maintenance, and education. (Joint Trust,
Sections (7)(a)(i), (ii), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2). The joint trust also provided that the
disbursements from the family trust income could be in unequal shares at Doris’
sole discretion, and that Doris could pay “so much, none, or all of the principal” of
the family trust as Doris deemed necessary or advisable in her absolute discretion.
(Id.). Under these circumstances, even if the allegations of plaintiffs’ complaint
are assumed to be true, as required, the trust agreements are an insuperable bar to
their recovery as Doris had the discretion to remove the trust funds liberally for
her benefit and in unequal shares to the children.
{¶41} Since Doris’ actions, as alleged in the complaint, were not in
violation of the trust agreements, Plaintiffs’ fail to allege any commission of
wrong, unconscionable conduct, artifice, concealment, or questionable means, or
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any act against equity and good conscience by which a court could impose a
constructive trust upon defendant Cass. Estate of Cowling, 2006-Ohio-2418, at
¶18, citing Ferguson, 9 Ohio St.3d at 225, quoting 76 American Jurisprudence 2d
(1975) 446, Trusts, Section 221. Similarly, plaintiffs have failed to allege any
“wrongful act or disposition of plaintiff’s property rights” for which an action for
conversion may be maintained. Dice, 2007-Ohio-5755, at ¶17, citations omitted.
Furthermore, since Doris has not committed any breach of the trust agreements,
even assuming the allegations of the complaint to be true, plaintiffs have failed to
allege a breach for which Cass, as a third party, might be liable. 91 Ohio
Jurisprudence 3d Trusts, Section 497, citing Shuster, 139 Ohio St. 315.
{¶42} For these reasons, plaintiffs’ assignments of error J, B, C, and F are
hereby overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR I
THE COURT ERRED IN IGNORING PLAINTIFFS’
COMPLAINT FOR BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY, SELF-
DEALING, CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND BREACH OF
STATUTORY DUTIES OF A TRUSTEE IN DISMISSING
PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT ON A RULE 12(B)(6) MOTION.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR K
THE COURT ERRED IN DISMISSING PLAINTIFFS’
COMPLAINT UNDER A RULE 12(B)(6) MOTION WHICH
ALLEGED THAT THE TRUSTEE IGNORED THE
SETTLOR’S WISHES IN HANDLING TRUST PROPERTY.
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{¶43} In assignment of error I, plaintiffs allege that the trial court erred by
dismissing their complaint for breach of fiduciary duty, self-dealing, conflict of
interest, and breach of statutory duties. In assignment of error K, plaintiffs allege
that the trial court erred in dismissing their complaint because the trustee ignored
the settlor’s wishes in handling the trust property. We disagree.
{¶44} As an initial matter, the Plaintiffs never asserted breaches of
statutory duties in their initial or amended complaint or their multiple filings in
response to the motion to dismiss. (Doc. Nos. 1, 8, 10, 14, 18). In fact, plaintiffs
never cited any of the statutes in their multiple filings in the trial court that they
now argue on appeal. It was not until after the trial court granted the motion to
dismiss that plaintiffs asserted any breach of statutory duties. (Memo. in Support
of Motion for Reconsideration, Doc. No. 28). “A party waives any error that he
could have, but did not, call to the trial court’s attention at a time when such error
could have been avoided or corrected by the trial court.” Cichanowicz v.
Cichanowicz, 3d Dist. No. 3-08-04, 2008-Ohio-4779, ¶26, quoting Butler v.
Butler, 4th Dist. No. 02CA2833, 2002-Ohio-5877, ¶19, citing Stores Realty Co. v.
Cleveland (1975), 41 Ohio St.2d 41, 43, 322 N.E.2d 629; Van Camp v. Riley
(1984), 16 Ohio App.3d 457, 463, 476 N.E.2d 1078. The Rules of Civil Procedure
do not provide for motions for reconsideration; and therefore, “motions for
reconsideration of a final judgment in the trial court are a nullity.” Pitts v. Dept. of
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Case No. 3-09-15
Transp. (1981), 67 Ohio St.2d 378, 379-80, 423 N.E.2d 1105; Ham v. Ham, 3d
Dist. No. 16-07-04, 2008-Ohio-828, ¶15. Furthermore, any order that a trial court
enters granting or denying any such motion is also a legal nullity. Robinson v.
Robinson, 168 Ohio App.3d 476, 2006-Ohio-4282, 860 N.E.2d 1027, ¶17, citing
Pitts, 67 Ohio St.2d 378. As such, by raising the alleged breaches of statutory
duties in their motion for reconsideration plaintiffs did not preserve the issue for
appeal since the trial court could not have corrected its error(s) via a motion for
reconsideration. Franks v. The Lima News (1996), 109 Ohio App.3d 408, 411, 672
N.E.2d 245. See, also, Wilson v. PNC Bank, NA (May 5, 2000), 1st Dist. No. C-
990727, at *3 (motion to reconsider did preserve issue where the motion to
reconsider was filed before the trial court’s final judgment so the trial court could
have considered the ordinance); Stanley v. City of Miamisburg (Jan. 28, 2000), 2nd
Dist. No. 17912, at *4; Reagan v. Ranger Transp., Inc. (Aug. 9, 1996), 11th Dist.
Nos. 95-P-0123, 95-P-0124, at *3 (Civ.R. 60(B), not a motion for reconsideration,
is the proper way to bring to the trial court’s attention its errors following a final
judgment entry).
{¶45} Even assuming plaintiffs’ alleged breaches of statutory duties were
preserved for appeal, we find their arguments meritless. Plaintiffs cite the
following portions of three statutes in support of these assignments of error: R.C.
5808.01, which provides, in pertinent part, “* * * the trustee shall administer the
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trust in good faith, in accordance with its terms and purposes and the interests of
the beneficiaries[.]”; R.C. 5808.02, which provides, in pertinent part:
(A) A trustee shall administer the trust solely in the interests of
the beneficiaries.
(B) * * * a sale, encumbrance, or other transaction involving
the investment or management of trust property entered into by
the trustee for the trustee’s own personal account or that is
otherwise affected by a conflict between the trustee’s fiduciary
and personal interests is voidable by a beneficiary affected by
the transaction unless one of the following applies:
***
(C) A sale, encumbrance, or other transaction involving the
investment or management of trust property is presumed to be
affected by a conflict between personal and fiduciary interests if
it is entered into by the trustee with one of the following:
***
(2) The trustee’s descendant, sibling, or parent or the spouse of a
trustee’s descendant, sibling, or parent;
and R.C. 5808.03, which provides, in pertinent part, “[i]f a trust has two or more
beneficiaries, the trustee shall act impartially in investing, managing, and
distributing the trust property, giving due regard to the beneficiaries’ respective
interests.” (Emphasis added).
{¶46} When reviewing these statutes, it is important to note that Doris was
both a trustee and the primary beneficiary under the trust agreements. The grantor
expressly stated in the R.M. Trust that Doris’ welfare was his “primary concern”
and that Doris, as trustee, “shall be liberal in making payments of income and
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principal to or for [her] benefit.” (R.M. Trust, Article II, Section 9(a), Plaintiffs’
Ex. 1). Both trusts provided that any of trust assets remaining after Doris’ death
would be distributed into separate trusts for the children. (Id., at Article III); (Joint
Trust, Section 7(b), Plaintiffs’ Ex. 2). Therefore, the children’s interest in the trust
assets was contingent upon whether or not Doris, as the surviving spouse, used all
of the trust funds prior to her death, which she had the right to do under the terms
of the trust agreements. See Firestone v. Galbreath (1993), 67 Ohio St.3d 87, 89,
616 N.E.2d 202 (Evans, J., concurring in part dissenting in part). After reading the
terms of the trust agreements and the broad discretion afforded to Doris as trustee,
along with the settlor’s express statement that Doris was his “primary concern,”
we cannot conclude that she breached any duty, statutory or otherwise, owed to
the plaintiffs; rather, Doris, as trustee, gave due regard to their respective interests
as contingent beneficiaries. R.C. 5808.03. Furthermore, we find R.C. 5808.02
inapplicable here as that section deals with trustee’s self-dealing where the trustee
is not also a beneficiary under the terms of the trust like Doris is here.
Furthermore, even assuming the statute applies, R.C. 5808.02(B)(1) provides an
exception where “[t]he transaction was authorized by the terms of the trust * * *,”
which would preclude plaintiffs from prevailing on the allegations of so-called
self-dealing against Doris.
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{¶47} For all these reasons, plaintiffs’ assignments of error I and K lack
merit and are hereby overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR D
THE COURT ERRED IN DISMISSING PLAINTIFFS’
REQUEST FOR AN ACCOUNTING.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR E
THE COURT ERRED IN DISMISSING PLAINTIFFS’
COMPLAINT REQUESTING RECORDS PERTAINING TO
THE HANDLING OF THE TRUST.
{¶48} In assignments of error D, plaintiffs argue that the trial court erred in
dismissing their complaint because they were entitled to an accounting pursuant to
the terms of the joint trust agreement and R.C. 5808.13. In assignment of error E,
plaintiffs assert that the trial court erred in dismissing its complaint, which alleged
spoliation of records, and the trustee’s failure to keep adequate records. We
disagree.
{¶49} As an initial matter, plaintiffs failed to assert any breach of statutory
duties in their multiple filing with the trial court prior to its entry of final
judgment. (Doc. Nos. 1, 8, 10, 14, 18). It was not until after the trial court granted
the motion to dismiss that plaintiffs asserted any breach of statutory duties.
(Memo. in Support of Motion for Reconsideration, Doc. No. 28). As such,
plaintiffs have waived their arguments with respect to the trustee’s purported
breach of its statutory duties. Cichanowicz at ¶26, quoting Butler at ¶19, citing
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Stores Realty Co., 41 Ohio St.2d at 43; Riley, 16 Ohio App.3d at 463; Pitts, 67
Ohio St.2d at 379-80; Ham at ¶15; Robinson at ¶17, citing Pitts, 67 Ohio St.2d
378; The Lima News, 109 Ohio App.3d at 411. See, also, PNC Bank, 1st Dist. No.
C-990727, at *3; Stanley, 2nd Dist. No. 17912, at *4; Reagan, 11th Dist. Nos. 95-
P-0123, 95-P-0124, at *3.
{¶50} Furthermore, plaintiffs’ complaint did not allege a breach of the
trustee’s duty to provide an accounting to them, as beneficiaries, as they now
allege on appeal. At best, the complaint alleges that “[d]efendants had a duty to
keep an accurate accounting of all assets,” not a duty to provide plaintiffs with an
accounting as they now argue. (First Amended Complaint, Doc. No. 10, at ¶12).
Plaintiffs sought an accounting as a form of equitable relief to account for the trust
assets in the prayer of their complaint. (Id., at Prayer for Relief). Plaintiffs did not
assert a separate breach of duty for the trustee’s alleged failure to provide them
with an accounting as they now assert on appeal. (See id.). Therefore, plaintiffs’
assignment of error D lacks merit.
{¶51} Next plaintiffs allege the trial court erred in dismissing their
complaint for spoliation of records. The elements of spoliation are: “(1) pending
or probable litigation involving the plaintiff, (2) knowledge on the part of
defendant that litigation exists or is probable, (3) willful destruction of evidence
by defendant designed to disrupt the plaintiff’s case, (4) disruption of the
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plaintiff’s case, and (5) damages proximately caused by the defendant’s acts.”
Smith v. Howard Johnson Co., Inc. (1993), 67 Ohio St.3d 28, 29, 615 N.E.2d
1037. Plaintiffs failed to allege any facts which would state a cause of action for
spoliation. Plaintiffs alleged that Doris and Cass “intentionally failed to maintain
records as to the opening balances of each trust,” not that they willfully destroyed
records in anticipation of litigation to disrupt plaintiffs’ case against them.
(Amended complaint, Doc. No. 10, at ¶12). As such, the trial court did not err in
dismissing plaintiffs’ complaint on this basis.
{¶52} Plaintiffs’ assignments of error D and E are, therefore, overruled.
{¶53} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the
particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Judgment Affirmed
ROGERS and SHAW, J.J., concur.
/jlr
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