203 N.W.2d at 403 Trial court discretion in setting aside default judgments34 citing cases“Whether the judgment should be opened is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court, and that court’s decision will not be reversed unless such discretion is abused”
- Johnson v. City of Duluth, 903 N.W.2d 1 (Minn. Ct. App. 2017).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Jerry Wayne Cole v. Alexander Allen Wutzke, 884 N.W.2d 634 (Minn. 2016).publishedIndeed, the right to vacatur is “not absolute”; rather, it is a matter “largely within the discretion of the trial court.” E.g., Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Jerry Wayne Cole v. Alexander Allen Wutzke, 868 N.W.2d 925 (Minn. Ct. App. 2015).publishedSee Coller v. Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, 294 N.W.2d 712, 715 (Minn.1980); Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 179-80 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Lyon Fin. Servs., Inc. v. Arjang Miremadi, No. A14-2171 (Minn. Ct. App. June 29, 2015).unpublished“The district court has broad discretion in deciding whether to grant or deny a rule 60.02 motion.” Northland Temporaries, Inc. v. Turpin, 744 N.W.2d 398, 402 (Minn. App. 2008) (citing Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401…
- Westfield Insurane Co. v. Wensmann, Inc., 840 N.W.2d 438 (Minn. Ct. App. 2013).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Marlow Timberland, LLC v. Cnty. of Lake, 800 N.W.2d 637 (Minn. 2011).publishedP. 60.02 must meet the four-part analysis set out in Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 179-80 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Palladium Holdings, LLC v. Zuni Mortg. Loan Trust 2006-OA1, 775 N.W.2d 168 (Minn. Ct. App. 2009).published“Whether the judgment should be opened is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court, and that court’s decision will not be reversed unless such discretion is abused”
- Northland Temporaries, Inc. v. Turpin, 744 N.W.2d 398 (Minn. Ct. App. 2008).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Imperial Premium Fin., Inc. v. GK Cab Co., 603 N.W.2d 853 (Minn. Ct. App. 2000).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Seiberlich v. Burlington N. R.R., 447 N.W.2d 896 (Minn. Ct. App. 1989).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
Show 24 more citing cases
- Pearce v. Lindstrom, 443 N.W.2d 857 (Minn. Ct. App. 1989).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Husby-Thompson Co. v. Cnty. of Freeborn, 435 N.W.2d 814 (Minn. 1989).published(setting aside a default judgment)
- Richardson v. Employers Mut. Cas. Co., 424 N.W.2d 317 (Minn. Ct. App. 1988).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Riemer v. Zahn, 420 N.W.2d 659 (Minn. Ct. App. 1988).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- State ex rel. Humphrey v. Ri-Mel, Inc., 417 N.W.2d 102 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Nelson v. Siebert, 411 N.W.2d 229 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).published However, the supreme court has stated: [I]n keeping with the spirit of Rule 60.02, in furtherance of justice, and pursuant to a liberal policy conducive to the trial of cases on their merits, the court should relieve a defendant from the c…
- Wiethoff v. Williams, 413 N.W.2d 533 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973); Howard v. Frondell, 387 N.W.2d 205, 208 (Minn.Ct.App.1986).
- Kurak v. Control Data Corp., 410 N.W.2d 34 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).published“is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court”
- C & a Enter. v. Carlson Tractor & Equip. Co., 408 N.W.2d 921 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Charson v. Temple Israel, 405 N.W.2d 895 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).published See, e.g., Conley v. Downing, 321 N.W.2d 36, 40-41 (Minn. 1982); Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 179-80 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973); Gunderson v. Lake County Board of Health, 389 N.W.2d 241, 243-44 (Minn.Ct.App. 1986), pet. for rev. den…
- Rose v. Neubauer, 407 N.W.2d 727 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).publishedWhether a judgment should be reopened under Rule 60.02 “is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court, and that court’s decision will not be reversed unless such discretion is abused.” See Hill v. Tischer, 385 N.W.2d 329, 33…
- Havemeier v. Karlstad Equip. & Farms, 406 N.W.2d 581 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 179-80 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Lund v. Pan Am. MacHines Sales, 405 N.W.2d 550 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).publishedIn Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973) the supreme court noted the trial court’s finding that the defendant was personally guilty of inexcusable neglect, thus failing to meet the reasonable excuse requirement.
- Ayers v. Rudolph's, Inc., 392 N.W.2d 647 (Minn. Ct. App. 1986).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Howard v. Frondell, 387 N.W.2d 205 (Minn. Ct. App. 1986).published Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Hill v. Tischer, 385 N.W.2d 329 (Minn. Ct. App. 1986).published“[wjhether the judgment should be opened is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court, and that court’s decision will not be reversed unless such discretion is abused”
- Spicer v. Carefree Vacations, Inc., 379 N.W.2d 728 (Minn. Ct. App. 1986).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973); Guillaume & Associates, Inc. v. Don-John Co., 371 N.W.2d 15, 18 (Minn.Ct.
- Guillaume & Assocs., Inc. v. Don-John Co., 371 N.W.2d 15 (Minn. Ct. App. 1985).published“should be opened is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court, and that court’s decision will not be reversed unless such discretion is abused”
- Grunke v. Kloskin, 355 N.W.2d 207 (Minn. Ct. App. 1984).publishedColler v. Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, 294 N.W.2d at 715 ; Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973). 1.
- Betts v. M. I. L. Realty Corp., 269 N.W.2d 42 (Minn. 1978).publishedThose principles were restated in Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 173, 179 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1972): “This court has repeatedly said that in keeping with the spirit of Rule 60.02, in furtherance of justice, and pursuant to a liberal polic…
- Johnson v. Hunter, 447 N.W.2d 871 (Minn. 1989).published See Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973) (default judgment).
- Zetah v. Isaacs, 428 N.W.2d 96 (Minn. Ct. App. 1988).published See Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973) (movant not entitled to have judgment vacated on grounds of attorney’s neglect when movant was personally guilty of inexcusable neglect); Gould, 379 N.W.2d at 647 (moti…
- Gunderson v. Lake Cnty. Bd. of Health, 389 N.W.2d 241 (Minn. Ct. App. 1986).published See Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Midway Nat'l Bank of St. Paul v. Bollmeier, 462 N.W.2d 401 (Minn. Ct. App. 1991).published Casualty Co., 424 N.W.2d 317, 320 (Minn.App.1988), pet. for rev. denied (Minn. Aug. 24, 1988); see also Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973) (whether a default judgment should be reopened under Minn.R.Civ.P. 6…
295 Minn. at 180 “wjhether the judgment should be opened is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court, and that court's decision will not be reversed unless such discretion is abused.”4 citing cases
- Jerry Wayne Cole v. Alexander Allen Wutzke, 884 N.W.2d 634 (Minn. 2016).publishedIndeed, the right to vacatur is “not absolute”; rather, it is a matter “largely within the discretion of the trial court.” E.g., Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Kurak v. Control Data Corp., 410 N.W.2d 34 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).publishedWhether a judgment should be opened “is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court.” Kosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 180 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Havemeier v. Karlstad Equip. & Farms, 406 N.W.2d 581 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).publishedKosloski v. Jones, 295 Minn. 177, 179-80 , 203 N.W.2d 401, 403 (1973).
- Midway Nat'l Bank of St. Paul v. Bollmeier, 462 N.W.2d 401 (Minn. Ct. App. 1991).published (whether a default judgment should be reopened under Minn.R.Civ.P. 60.02 is “largely within the discretion of the trial court.)
Other citing cases
- Nelson v. Siebert, 428 N.W.2d 394 (Minn. 1988).published
v.
Erickson, v. Kenneth Earl Jones
Defendant moved the district court to reopen a default judgment and for leave to serve and file an answer. He contends that he should be relieved of a default judgment resulting from the neglect of his attorney. The motion was denied by the district court, and this appeal followed. We affirm the order of the trial court.
On January 16, 1968, defendant, Kenneth Earl Jones, while driving easterly on University Avenue in Minneapolis, struck and killed Veona V. Erickson, a pedestrian who was attempting to cross University Avenue at or near its intersection with Arthur Avenue Southeast. Helen Caroline Kosloski, having been appointed trustee for the heirs of Mrs. Erickson, commenced an action for death by wrongful act. Jones was served with summons and complaint on March 13, 1968, and contacted an attorney, not the same counsel who takes this appeal, who agreed to handle the case without fee.
Over the next several months, the attorney for defendant was served with a note of issue, a notice of entry of default, dated October 23, 1970, and a notice of motion for entry of default judgment, dated December 17, 1970. Plaintiff’s counsel con[*179] tacted defendant’s lawyer on numerous occasions asking for an answer to the complaint. No answer was ever served or filed, and defendant’s attorney stated to plaintiff’s counsel on January 8, 1970, that if an answer was not interposed on or before January 15, 1970, plaintiff could proceed with the action as a default against Mr. Jones.
Findings of fact, conclusions of law, and an order for judgment in the amount of $35,000 against defendant were filed on May 17, 1971, and served upon defendant on or about that date. Judgment was entered May 24, 1971. Apparently defendant and his counsel both attempted to contact each other without success, except that on one occasion in 1970 defendant claims his attorney told him by telephone that the case would be coming to trial shortly.
After service on him of the order for judgment, defendant again attempted to contact his lawyer without success. Eventually, he secured the services of other counsel and moved to reopen, which motion was heard on October 14, 1971, and was denied.
The issue is whether or not the trial court properly denied the motion to vacate the judgment where the contention is that defendant’s attorney was guilty of neglect.
The motion to reopen was made pursuant to Rule 60.02, Rules of Civil Procedure, which provides in part as follows:
“On motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or his legal representative from a final judgment * * * and may order a new trial or grant such other relief as may be just for the following reasons: (1) Mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect; * * * or (6) any other reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment.”
This court has repeatedly said that in keeping with the spirit of Rule 60.02, in furtherance of justice, and pursuant to a -liberal policy conducive to the trial of causes on their merits, the court should relieve a defendant from the consequences of his attor[*180] ney’s neglect in those cases where defendant (a) is possessed of a reasonable defense on the merits, (b) has a reasonable excuse for his failure or neglect to answer, (c) has acted with due diligence after notice of the entry of judgment, and (d) shows that no substantial prejudice will result to the other party, Finden v. Klaas, 268 Minn. 268, 128 N. W. 2d 748 (1964) ; Johnson v. Nelson, 265 Minn. 71, 120 N. W. 2d 338 (1963); Hinz v. Northland Milk & Ice Cream Co. 237 Minn. 28, 53 N. W. 2d 454 (1952).
The right to be relieved of a default judgment is not absolute. Whether the judgment should be opened is a matter largely within the discretion of the trial court, and that court’s decision will not be reversed unless such discretion is abused. Slatoski v. Jendro, 134 Minn. 328, 159 N. W. 752 (1916); Randall v. Randall, 133 Minn. 63, 157 N. W. 903 (1916).
In this case, the trial court found that defendant was personally guilty of inexcusable neglect; that he failed to show that he had a good, substantial, and meritorious defense on the merits; and that the plaintiff would be subjected to substantial prejudice if the vacation were permitted. Thus, the trial court concluded that defendant did not meet three of the four criteria laid down in Finden v. Klaas, supra, for relieving a defendant of the consequences of excusable neglect.
Our careful examination of the record shows that it supports the trial court’s findings and compels the conclusion that the trial court did not abuse its discretion. Its order must be affirmed.
Affirmed.
Acting as Justice of the Supreme Court by appointment pursuant to Minn. Const, art. 6, § 2, and Minn. St. 2.724, subd. 2.