Ciszewski v. Kolaczewski

[Cite as Ciszewski v. Kolaczewski, 2013-Ohio-1765.]
STATE OF OHIO ) IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
)ss: NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COUNTY OF SUMMIT )
JENNIFER CISZEWSKI, et al. C.A. No. 26508
Appellants
v. APPEAL FROM JUDGMENT
ENTERED IN THE
GAYLEEN KOLACZEWSKI, et al. COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
COUNTY OF SUMMIT, OHIO
Appellee CASE No. CV 2010-12-8123
DECISION AND JOURNAL ENTRY
Dated: May 1, 2013
WHITMORE, Judge.
{¶1} Plaintiff-Appellants, Jennifer and Michael Ciszewski, appeal from the judgment
of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, granting Defendant-Appellee, Gayleen
Kolaczewski’s, motion for summary judgment. This Court affirms.
I
{¶2} Emilia and Mitchell Kolaczewski had three daughters, Christine Kolaczewski-
Ferris, Kathleen Ciszewski, and Gayleen Kolaczewski. Appellants are the children of Kathleen
Ciszewski and the grandchildren of Emilia and Mitchell. Emilia passed away in 2008; Mitchell
had preceded her in 2004. Gayleen served as the executrix of Emilia’s estate. In 2008,
Kathleen and Christine filed an action contesting Emilia’s will. A confidential settlement was
reached among the sisters in 2009.
{¶3} In early 2010, Gayleen sent an electronic message to Michael Ciszewski,
Kathleen’s son, informing him that he and his sister, Jennifer, were offered money from Emilia’s
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estate on the condition that they meet with her and hear her read Emilia’s diary. No such
meeting took place. In December 2010, Appellants filed a complaint alleging (1) Gayleen
intentionally interfered with their expected inheritance; (2) Gayleen converted assets for her own
use that were intended for Appellants; and (3) a constructive trust had been established.
{¶4} Gayleen filed a third party complaint against Kathleen seeking indemnity and
contribution based on the 2009 confidential settlement agreement. Kathleen then filed a
counterclaim against Gayleen, arguing breach of contract based on the same settlement
agreement.
{¶5} In May 2012, the court granted summary judgment in favor of Gayleen and sua
sponte dismissed her third party complaint against Kathleen. Subsequently, Kathleen voluntarily
dismissed her counterclaim. Appellants now appeal and raise two assignments of error for our
review.
II
Assignment of Error Number One
THE TRIAL COURT INCORRECTLY GRANTED DEFENDANT’S MOTION
FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT ON ALL FOUR COUNTS OF PLAINTIFFS’
COMPLAINT.
{¶6} In their first assignment of error, Appellants argue the court erred in granting
summary judgment to Gayleen. We disagree.
{¶7} This Court reviews an award of summary judgment de novo. Grafton v. Ohio
Edison Co., 77 Ohio St.3d 102, 105 (1996). To prevail on a motion for summary judgment, the
moving party must show:
(1) there is no genuine issue of material fact; (2) the moving party is entitled to
judgment as a matter of law; and (3) it appears from the evidence that reasonable
minds can come to but one conclusion when viewing evidence in favor of the
nonmoving party, and that conclusion is adverse to the nonmoving party.
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Temple v. Wean United, Inc., 50 Ohio St.2d 317, 327 (1977).
{¶8} The party moving for summary judgment bears the initial burden of informing the
trial court of the basis for the motion and pointing to parts of the record that show the absence of
a genuine issue of material fact. Dresher v. Burt, 75 Ohio St.3d 280, 292-293 (1996). Once this
burden is satisfied, the burden shifts to the non-moving party to offer specific facts to show a
genuine issue for trial. Id. at 293. The non-moving party may not rest upon the mere allegations
and denials in the pleadings, but instead must point to or submit some evidentiary material that
demonstrates a genuine dispute over a material fact. Brannon v. Executive Properties, Inc., 9th
Dist. No. 26298, 2012-Ohio-5483, ¶ 6; Civ.R. 56(E).
Confidential, Fiduciary Relationship
{¶9} Appellants argue that the court erred in not finding a confidential, fiduciary
relationship between Gayleen and Emilia, thereby shifting to Gayleen the burden of proving
there was no undue influence.
{¶10} “The determination concerning what constitutes a confidential (fiduciary)
relationship is a question of fact dependent upon the circumstances in each case: A confidential
relationship is one in which one person comes to rely on and trust another in his important affairs
and the relations there involved are not necessarily legal, but may be moral, social, domestic or
merely personal.” (Internal quotations and citations omitted.) Indermill v. United Sav., 5 Ohio
App.3d 243, 245 (9th Dist.1982). “[A] parent-child relationship, without more, is insufficient to
create a fiduciary relationship.” In re Estate of Workman, 4th Dist. No. 07CA39, 2008-Ohio-
3351, ¶ 20, citing McAdams v. McAdams, 80 Ohio St. 232, 243-244 (1909). A fiduciary
relationship is “a relationship ‘in which special confidence and trust is reposed in the integrity
and fidelity of another and there is a resulting position of superiority or influence, acquired by
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virtue of this special trust.’” Ed Schory & Sons, Inc. v. Soc. Natl. Bank, 75 Ohio St.3d 433, 442
(1996), quoting In re Termination of Employment of Pratt, 40 Ohio St.2d 107, 115 (1974).
{¶11} Where a confidential relationship exists between the donor and the donee, a
presumption of undue influence arises. Modie v. Andrews, 9th Dist. No. 19543, 2000 WL
1026682, *4 (July 26, 2000). The donee must then show, by a preponderance of the evidence,
that the gift was free from undue influence. Id.{¶12} Appellants argue that a confidential, fiduciary relationship existed between
Gayleen and Emilia because: (1) Emilia depended on Gayleen “for the management of her daily
affairs such as transportation, meals, caregiving and financial management”; (2) Gayleen was
Emilia’s “primary care physician * * * yet * * * kept no records or notes of [Emilia’s]
treatment”; (3) Emilia suffered from “physical injuries causing her to become periodically bed-
ridden”; (4) Gayleen visited Emilia every day, shared most meals with her, and was Emilia’s
only source of companionship; and (5) Emilia trusted Gayleen implicitly.
{¶13} Appellants’ argument is not entirely supported by the record. Gayleen did visit
Emilia daily and the two shared most meals together. However, Appellants have offered no
evidence that Emilia relied on Gayleen to provide those meals. Gayleen testified that Emilia did
primarily rely on her for transportation, and trusted her implicitly; however, Gayleen also
testified that Emilia “had lots of other friends” and denied that she was Emilia’s only source of
companionship. Gayleen testified that she was not the primary care physician for either of her
parents and only treated her mother for minor health problems, like colds and rashes. Gayleen
testified that Emilia was never bedridden. Gayleen further testified that Emilia handled her own
finances, settled Mitchell’s estate when he passed, and created her own estate plan. Gayleen said
5
she did not help her mother pay the bills, although she would have if Emilia had ever asked for
help.
{¶14} While there is evidence that the two were very close, there is no evidence that
Gayleen’s relationship with Emilia was one of superiority or influence. See Landskroner v.
Landskroner, 154 Ohio App.3d 471, 2003-Ohio-4945, ¶ 32 (8th Dist.). We conclude based upon
the record before us that no confidential, fiduciary relationship existed and the burden of proving
undue influence properly remained with Appellants.
Intentional Interference with Expectancy of Inheritance
{¶15} Appellants argue the court erred in granting summary judgment against them on
their claim of intentional interference with expectancy of inheritance. We disagree.
{¶16} To prove a claim of intentional interference with expectancy of inheritance, the
plaintiff must show:
(1) an existence of an expectancy of inheritance in the plaintiff;
(2) an intentional interference by a defendant(s) with that expectancy of
inheritance;
(3) conduct by the defendant involving the interference which is tortious, such as
fraud, duress or undue influence, in nature;
(4) a reasonable certainty that the expectancy of inheritance would have been
realized, but for the interference by the defendant; and
(5) damage resulting from the interference.
Firestone v. Galbreath, 67 Ohio St.3d 87, 88 (1993).
{¶17} Appellants rely on their argument that Gayleen and Emilia had a confidential,
fiduciary relationship. Therefore, according to Appellants, there is a presumption that Gayleen
tortiously interfered with their inheritance. However, as we have concluded that no fiduciary
relationship existed Appellants are required to establish all of the elements of undue influence.
6
“[N]amely, that the decedent was susceptible to influence, that there was an opportunity to exert
undue influence on the decedent, that improper influence was actually exerted or attempted, and
that the resulting transaction showed the effects of such influence.” Chapin v. Nameth, 7th Dist.
No. 08 MA 18, 2009-Ohio-1025, ¶ 32, citing Redman v. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Soc. of
Pennsylvania, 69 Ohio St.3d 98, 101 (1994).
{¶18} Even viewing the record in a light most favorable to Appellants, there is no
evidence to show that Emilia was susceptible to undue influence. Emilia maintained her own
finances, including planning her own estate. There is no evidence that Emilia was isolated from
other people or that Gayleen was her sole source of companionship. The evidence presented
merely shows that Emilia and Gayleen had a close relationship.
{¶19} Moreover, there is no evidence to suggest that an improper influence was actually
exerted or attempted, or that the resulting transaction showed the effects of such influence.
Despite some testimony that two certificate of deposit accounts were established shortly after
Michael’s birth, one of which matured during Michael’s college years, the accounts were never
in the names of Appellants. According to Gayleen, the accounts were established by Mitchell
and Emilia to benefit Appellants on the condition that they established some sort of relationship
with them. Appellants have presented no evidence to contradict this. Emilia had recently
handled the settling of Mitchell’s estate and was familiar with how the accounts were set up.
Gayleen did not help Emilia in managing her financial affairs.
{¶20} Even assuming there is a genuine issue of material fact with respect to the
existence of an expectancy of inheritance, Appellants have not presented any evidence that
Gayleen tortiously interfered with such inheritance. Accordingly, the court did not err in
7
granting Gayleen’s motion for summary judgment on the claim of intentional interference with
expectancy of inheritance.
Conversion
{¶21} “[C]onversion is the wrongful exercise of dominion over property to the exclusion
of the rights of the owner, or withholding it from his possession under a claim inconsistent with
his rights.” Perez Bar & Grill v. Schneider, 9th Dist. No. 11CA010076, 2012-Ohio-5820, ¶ 10,
quoting State ex rel. Toma v. Corrigan, 92 Ohio St.3d 589, 592 (2001). To prove a claim of
conversion, the plaintiff must show:
(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.
(Internal quotations omitted.) Perez Bar & Grill at ¶ 10.
{¶22} Appellants argue that Gayleen “cannot support her assertion that the funds were
placed in her possession so that she may divide them at her discretion.” Appellants rely on the
presumption of undue influence because of a confidential, fiduciary relationship, the timing of
the accounts, and Emilia and Mitchell’s emphasis on education.
{¶23} Gayleen testified that she did not help manage Emilia’s finances. According to
Gayleen, Emilia handled her own finances, established her own estate plan, and did not include
Appellants in her will. Emilia also settled Mitchell’s estate in 2004 when he passed; therefore,
she would have had knowledge of the various deposit accounts in existence and how they were
set up. Appellants have offered no evidence to contradict this testimony. As we have concluded
8
above, there was no fiduciary relationship between Emilia and Gayleen and Appellants are not
entitled to the presumption of undue influence.
{¶24} Appellants argue that the timing of the deposit account creates a genuine issue of
material fact. Specifically, Appellants argue that accounts were established around the time they
were born and matured about the time they were going to college. This, according to Appellants,
in combination with the letters from Emilia and Mitchell emphasizing the importance of
education, shows that the funds were intended to be dispersed to them without any additional
conditions imposed by Gayleen. Gayleen admits that Emilia and Mitchell established an account
for the benefit of Appellants. However, Gayleen asserts that distribution of the funds was always
conditioned on Appellants establishing a certain type of relationship with their grandparents.
Appellants have provided no evidence to contradict this.
{¶25} After viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to Appellants, we conclude
Appellants have not offered evidence to support a finding that they had an ownership or right to
possession of the funds. Accordingly, the court did not err in granting Gayleen’s motion for
summary judgment on the claim of conversion.
Constructive Trust
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.
(Internal quotations omitted.) Estate of Cowling v. Estate of Cowling, 109 Ohio St.3d 276, 2006-
Ohio-2418, ¶ 18. The plaintiff bears the burden of establishing, by clear and convincing
evidence, that a constructive trust should be placed over a particular asset. Id. at ¶ 23-24.
9
{¶26} Appellants argue that a constructive trust is appropriate because Gayleen admitted
to “holding funds that were entrusted to her (as a result of undue influence) for over two years
and then deciding that she had the discretion to distribute them as she wished.”
{¶27} As we have concluded above, there is no evidence to support the conclusion that
Emilia intended Appellants to inherit the funds. It is undisputed that funds were set aside for the
benefit of Appellants; however, Gayleen testified that Appellants were only entitled to the funds
on the condition that they establish a relationship with Emilia and Mitchell. There is no evidence
to contradict this condition precedent. Again, Emilia managed her own finances. She created
her own estate plan in which she did not include Appellants. Emilia settled Mitchell’s estate and
would therefore have been familiar with the deposit accounts. As discussed above, there is no
evidence of undue influence.
{¶28} After viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to Appellants, we conclude
the court did not err in granting Gayleen’s motion for summary judgment on the claim of a
constructive trust.
{¶29} Appellants’ first assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error Number Two
THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR IN FAILING TO
STRIKE IMPROPER OHIO CIV.R. 56 EVIDENCE FROM THE RECORD[.]
{¶30} In their second assignment of error, Appellants argue that the court improperly
considered documents attached to Gayleen’s motion for summary judgment because the
documents were not submitted in compliance with Civ.R. 56.
{¶31} This Court reviews an award of summary judgment de novo. Grafton, 77 Ohio
St.3d at 105. To prevail on a motion for summary judgment, the moving party must show:
10
(1) there is no genuine issue of material fact; (2) the moving party is entitled to
judgment as a matter of law; and (3) it appears from the evidence that reasonable
minds can come to but one conclusion when viewing evidence in favor of the
nonmoving party, and that conclusion is adverse to the nonmoving party.
Temple, 50 Ohio St.2d at 327.
{¶32} The party moving for summary judgment bears the initial burden of informing the
trial court of the basis for the motion and pointing to parts of the record that show the absence of
a genuine issue of material fact. Dresher, 75 Ohio St.3d at 292-293. To support a motion for
summary judgment the court may consider “the pleadings, depositions, answers to
interrogatories, written admissions, affidavits, transcripts of evidence, and written stipulations of
fact, if any * * *.” Civ.R. 56(C). Additional documentation may be submitted if it is properly
incorporated into an affidavit. Civ.R. 56(E). “No evidence or stipulation may be considered
except as stated in [Civ.R. 56].” Civ.R. 56(C).
{¶33} Gayleen attached five exhibits to her motion for summary judgment. Four of the
exhibits contained handwritten letters, two allegedly written by Kathleen and two allegedly
written by Emilia. Appellants moved to strike these exhibits because they did not comply with
Civ.R. 56. Without ruling on Appellants’ motion to strike, the court granted Gayleen’s motion
for summary judgment. Appellants now argue that the court “incorrectly and heavily relied” on
the improperly submitted exhibits.
{¶34} This Court will not reverse a judgment based on an error that does not affect the
substantial rights of the parties.
No error in either the admission or the exclusion of evidence and no error or
defect in any ruling or order or in anything done or omitted by the court or by any
of the parties is ground for granting a new trial or for setting aside a verdict or for
vacating, modifying or otherwise disturbing a judgment or order, unless refusal to
take such action appears to the court inconsistent with substantial justice. The
court at every stage of the proceeding must disregard any error or defect in the
proceeding which does not affect the substantial rights of the parties.
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Civ.R. 61.
{¶35} Even assuming the court erred in considering the exhibits, we conclude the error
is harmless. In the first assignment of error, we concluded that summary judgment was
appropriate without reference to the unauthenticated documents. Because summary judgment
was proper, any error by the court in considering the unauthenticated documents is harmless.
Appellants’ second assignment of error is overruled.
III
{¶36} Appellants’ assignments of error are overruled. The judgment of the Summit
County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.
There were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
We order that a special mandate issue out of this Court, directing the Court of Common
Pleas, County of Summit, State of Ohio, to carry this judgment into execution. A certified copy
of this journal entry shall constitute the mandate, pursuant to App.R. 27.
Immediately upon the filing hereof, this document shall constitute the journal entry of
judgment, and it shall be file stamped by the Clerk of the Court of Appeals at which time the
period for review shall begin to run. App.R. 22(C). The Clerk of the Court of Appeals is
instructed to mail a notice of entry of this judgment to the parties and to make a notation of the
mailing in the docket, pursuant to App.R. 30.
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Costs taxed to Appellants.
BETH WHITMORE
FOR THE COURT
MOORE, P. J.
HENSAL, J.
CONCUR.
APPEARANCES:
ADAM M. FRIED and ADRIANN S. MCGEE, Attorneys at Law, for Appellants.
MICHAEL CICCOLINI, and JOHN LYSENKO, Attorneys at Law, for Appellee.