Spaulding v. Fisher
Spaulding v. Fisher
Opinion of the Court
This is an action brought under the provisions of R. S., c. 113, § 47, against the defendant for aiding in the fraudulent concealment or transfer of the property of one David P. Chase, a debtor of the plaintiff.
„ The allegations in the plaintiff’s writ are to be regarded as true, for the purpose of determining whether or not the action is maintainable.
The writ alleges that the plaintiff by the name of Amanda Lawrence, obtained judgment against said Chase, which still remains unsatisfied; that prior to and at the time [of the rendition of said judgment, said Chase was “ the owner of a large amount of money, choses in action or other property to the amount of eleven hundred
It is objected that the plaintiff does not show that the debtor Chase owned the dwelling-house, so that it could be attached or levied upon as his property, and that therefore the action is not maintainable.
But the allegation is, that Chase owned certain money and other property which ho invested in a dwelling-house. If so, as against his creditors, the dwelling-house was his, and was subject to his debts by process at law and in equity. The dwelling-house was purchased with his funds. To prevent its attachment he caused it to be conveyed to the defendant.
By R. S., c. 113, § 28, the poor debtor, when taking the oath to procure his discharge, swears that he has “ not directly or indirectly sold, conveyed, or disposed of, or intrusted to any person ” any of his “ real or personal property to secure it, or receive any benefit from it ” to himself or others, “ with an intent to defraud ” any of his creditors.
By § 29, when it appears from the disclosure of a debtor, arrested or imprisoned on execution, that “ he possesses or has under his control any bank-bills, notes, bonds, or other contracts or property, which cannot bo come at to be attached, and the creditor and
By § 46, when a debtor in his disclosure “ willfully discloses falsely, withholds or suppresses the truth, the creditor may bring a special action on the case against him . . . particularly alleging the false oath and fraudulent concealment of his estate or property . . . and if the creditor prevails in the suit, judgment shall be rendered against the debtor for double the amount of the debt, and charges on the former judgment,” &c.
The statute under which this suit is brought, § 47, gives an action against any person, who “ knowingly aids or assists a debtor or prisoner in a fraudulent transfer or concealment of his property, to secure it from creditors and prevent its attachment or seizure on execution,” &c.
Now the money of the debtor, Chase, was liable to be taken on execution.- R. S., c. 84, § 2. His “ choses in action and other property,” the creditor had a right to take on appraisal. If disposed of by the debtor to secure any benefit to himself therefrom, he would not be permitted to take the poor debtor’s oath, and if he willfully disclosed falsely, withheld or suppressed the truth, he would be liable to a special action on the case at the instance of his creditor, in which judgment might be rendered against him for “ double the amount of the debt and charges in the former judgment.”
The property of Chase, before its investment by him in a house, was property for the fraudulent transfer or concealment of which the debtor and the person aiding or assisting him in such fraudulent transfer or concealment would be liable under the provisions of the statute to the creditor.
The fraudulent transfer and concealment of the house purchased with the property of the debtor, is none the less within the purpose and meaning of the act under consideration, than would be the fraudulent transfer and concealment of the property of the debtor by which the purchase was made. The property concealed was none the less liable for the debts of the debtor, though the processes
It appears that David P. Chase has filed his petition in bankruptcy, and has not obtained his discharge. It is objected that the plaintiff is not such a creditor as is entitled to maintain this action. It is uncertain whether Chase will ever obtain his discharge. If he does not, the plaintiff remains á creditor, having a debt undischarged, equally as if his debtor had never attempted to procure a discharge in bankruptcy.
What would be the effect of a discharge in bankruptcy, if obtained by Chase, is a question not argued, and as to which we give no opinion. The action is to stand for trial.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Amanda Spaulding v. Robert Fisher
- Status
- Published