New York Court of Chancery, 1823

Wotten v. Copeland

Wotten v. Copeland
New York Court of Chancery · Decided July 1, 1823
7 Johns. Ch. 140

Counsel

II. Bleecher, for the plaintiffs.

Wotten v. Copeland

Opinion of the Court

The Chancellor.

The plaintiffs are entitled to a partition, as to the equity of redemption merely. The mortgage and judgment creditors have no concern with the partition; and their rights cannot be affected by it. A sale of the entire legal and equitable estate could not be effected in this way. Tenants in common of an interest less than a fee, even of an interest in a lease for years, may have partition of such minor interest, as between themselves. But the mortgagees and judgment creditors cannot be compelled to join in the partition. No relief can be prayed against them, and their rights cannot be affected by the partition. (Baring v. Nash, 1 Ves. and Bea. 551.)

The bill, as to them, must be dismissed, with costs.

As to the heirs, a partition may be had, and let a commission issue accordingly.

Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.