Source: https://www.scribd.com/doc/66298518/Horace-v-LaSalle-Memo-in-Support-of-Motion-for-Sj
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Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 860', '§ 186', '§ 186', '§140', '§ 7', '§2', '§35']

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LASALLE BANK NATIONALASSOCIATION as Trustee for Certificate Holders of BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I. LLC asset backed certificates. The loan was secured by a mortgage to the lender
.00 for the purchase of property at 3745 Knowles Road in Phenix City. LaSalle had no — and cannot have any — authority to institute foreclosure proceedings because LaSalle is not entitled to the money secured by the promissory note.500. ALABAMA PHYLLIS HORACE. ENCORE CREDIT CORP. As successor-in-interest to Lasalle Bank National Assn. INC. CV-2008-362 VS.
MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANTS’ MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT Plaintiff Phyllis Horace.ELECTRONICALLY FILED 1/13/2011 5:43 PM CV-2008-000362. 2005. DEFENDANTS. ALABAMA KATHY S. EMC MORTGAGE CO. submits this memorandum of law in support of her motion for summary judgment on the issue of standing as to Defendant LaSalle Bank National Association (“LaSalle”).
INTRODUCTION On November 11. Plaintiff’s Complaint claims that LaSalle did not have possession of the mortgage note when it notified her that foreclosure was forthcoming. Alabama.. CLERK
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF RUSSELL COUNTY. and BANK OF AMERICA.. through counsel.. COULTER. Plaintiff borrowed $283. MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS. Namely..00 CIRCUIT COURT OF RUSSELL COUNTY. series 2006-EC2. CASE NUMBER: PLAINTIFF.
LaSalle sent a “Notice of Acceleration of Promissory Note and Mortgage” to Plaintiff. 2 On October 16. II. and will resolve all reasonable doubts against the moving party. Plaintiff then filed the instant cause. 682 So. The mortgage was recorded in the office of the probate judge on August 11. The court enjoined the foreclosure by order entered on November 20.. Encore executed a blank endorsement. A court considering a motion for summary judgment will view the record in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party.1996). LaSalle 29. La Quinta Inns.2d 397 (Ala. 2006... 591 So. PROC. Hurst v. Young v. LaSalle 2.
. 2008. CIV. Fuqua v. 56(c)(3). 719 So. Valley Steel Constr.2d 486 (Ala. 2 Bates #: Horace v. the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. 2008. Inc. Ingersoll-Rand Co.2d 402 (Ala.. 1992).2d 981 (Ala. 1 No other assignments or endorsements are present in the record provided to the Plaintiff. Alabama Power Co. 675 So.At some unknown time after the signing of the mortgage documents. Plaintiff comes before the court today requesting a judgment that the foreclosure proceeding be permanently enjoined as to the defendant Trustee LaSalle acting for its beneficiary trust (and Bank of America as the successor-in-interest). Inc. 1991)..
1 Bates #: Horace v. the only entity to give notice of foreclosure and for summary judgment on her claims related to the wrongful foreclosure of this real property.”ALA. Fuqua.. 603 So. Plaintiff currently lives in the subject property.1996).. will accord the nonmoving party all reasonable favorable inferences from the evidence.1998). supra.Encore Credit Corp (“Encore”). R.2d 185 (Ala. Ex parte Brislin. Aldridge v. STANDARD OF REVIEW
Summary judgment is appropriate only when “there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and .
Asset-Backed Certificates.” Allegedly. the servicer. duties and
. were pooled into a trust and converted into mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) that can be bought and sold by investors — a process known as securitization. 2008 Notice sent to Plaintiff was on behalf of the legal entity. LaSalle is not the originator of the mortgage. as Trustee for Certificate holders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I LLC. and is identified as “LaSalle Bank National Association. along with other loans. Asset-Backed Certificates. 2006. this entity is a New York common law trust created by an agreement known as “Pooling and Service Agreement. THE DEFENDANT TRUST HAS NO STANDING TO FORECLOSE BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN NO VALID ENFORCEABLE ASSIGNMENT TO THE TRUSTEE OF THE TRUST A-1. as Trustee for Certificate holders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I LLC.The terms of the Trust are contained in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (“PSA” or the “Trust agreement”). set a “closing date” of February 28. The Trust allegedly holding the Plaintiff’s note was created on or about February 1. The underlying promissory notes of each and every mortgage held by the Trust serve as generate a potential income stream for investors. Series 2006-EC2” (hereafter the “Trust”).“LaSalle Bank National Association. or even a bank. Instead.The Defendant Trust Is A New York Common Law Trust Governed By New York Law Based On Its Trust Agreement The October 16.”The Trust. the Plaintiff’s loan. ARGUMENTS
A. Series 2006-EC2.III. 2006. by its terms. which is an approximately 400-page document that creates the Trust and defines the rights.
and hence the acquisition of the mortgage assets for the Trust. The Startup Day is significant because the IRC ties the limitations upon which a REMIC trust may be receive its assets to this date. 2006) is also the “Startup Day” for the Trust under the REMIC provisions of the IRC.2d 285. are governed under the law of the State of New York pursuant to section 11. These various documents. 26 U.S. Pursuant to the terms of the Trust and the applicable Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regulations adopted and incorporated into the terms of the Trust. substantially all of the assets of which consist of qualified mortgages and permitted investments. Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). § 860D(emphasis added). 57 A. (3) which has 1 (and only 1) class of residual interests (and all distributions. with respect to such interests are pro rata). 295-296. The Trust. if any. is settled that the duties and powers of a trustee are defined by the terms of the trust agreement and are tempered only by the fiduciary obligation of loyalty to the beneficiaries (see. 3 The PSA is filed under oath with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is attached to LaSalle’s motion for summary judgment as Exhibit 1. Restatement [Second] of Trusts § 186.03 of the PSA (found at page 133 of 397 of the PSA).C. For purposes of this title.Y. The relevant portion of the IRC addressing the definition of a REMIC is:
(a) General rule. United States Trust Co.obligations of the parties to the Trust Agreement.S. v First Nat’l City Bank. See In re IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Co. aff’d 45 NY2d 869..2d 322 (N.D. The PSA also incorporates by reference a separate document called the Mortgage Loan Purchase Agreement (“MLPA”). comments a. d).S. 1st Dep’t 2000) -43It
. being sued through its trustee. App. Div.D. (4) as of the close of the 3rd month beginning after the startup dayand at all times thereafter. is a New York Corporate Trust formed to act as a “REMIC” trust (defined below) pursuant to the U. (2) all of the interests in which are regular interests or residual interests. the terms ‘real estate mortgage investment conduit’and ‘REMIC’ mean any entity— (1) to which an election to be treated as a REMIC applies for the taxable year and all prior taxable years. the “closing date” of the Trust (February 28. 271 A.
method and manner of funding the Trust with its assets. These PSA provisions are important to the court’s analysis of the facts in this case because of the interplay between the New York trust law.The Trust Instrument/PSA Sets Forth A Specific Time.
. (E) Any other contribution permitted in regulations. Method And Manner Of Funding The Trust The Trust seeking to foreclose on the Plaintiff has included in the terms of its Trust agreement (the PSA) a specific time.” 26 U.S.S. A-2.C. and the PSA’s incorporation of the IRC REMIC provisions. (D) Any contribution to a qualified reserve fund by any holder of a residual interest in the REMIC. In the context of this case.12) addresses these sections of the IRC by obliging the parties to the Trust to avoid any action which might jeopardize the tax status of any REMIC and/or impose any tax upon the Trust for prohibited contributions or prohibited transactions. 860G(d)(2) states: (2) Exceptions. The PSA (primarily in section 9. the relevant statute is the definition of prohibited contributions which is as follows: 26 U. there is hereby imposed a tax for the taxable year of the REMIC in which the contribution is received equal to 100 percent of the amount of such contribution.C. (C) Any contribution during the 3-month period beginning on the startup day.The IRC also provides definitions of prohibited transactions and prohibited contributions which are relevant to this case as well. “if any amount is contributed to a REMIC after the startup day. 860G(d)(1) states: Except as provided in section 860G(d)(2). the IRC’s REMIC provisions. (B) Any payment in the nature of a guarantee. Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any contribution which is made in cash and is described in any of the following subparagraphs: (A) Any contribution to facilitate a clean-up call (as defined in regulations) or a qualified liquidation.
That method is set forth in Section 2. Section 2.02(a) of the PSA provides for a window of 90 days after the Trust closing date in which the Trust may complete any missing paperwork or finalize any documents necessary to complete the transfers of assets from the depositor to the Trust. according to the plain terms of the Trust agreement in this case. 2006. February 28. 5 This requirement is found at Section 2. specifically the individual promissory notes.5 This requirement is to ensure that the Trust will receive REMIC status and thus be exempt from federal income taxation.
.01 on page 56 of 397. Transfer of Assets to the Trust Pursuant to the Trust Instrument/PSA As a generic matter. 6 This requirement is found at page 58 of 397. might be transferred or conveyed. B. 4 According to the terms of the PSA.6 Thus. THE TRUST AGREEMENT PROVIDES THE ONLY MANNER IN WHICH ASSETS MAY BE PROPERLY TRANSFERRED TO THE TRUST AND ANY ACT IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE TRUST AGREEMENT IS VOID B-1. 2006 and the last day for transfer of assets into the Trust was May 29. the Trust documents permit only one specific method of transfer to the Trust. A trust’s ability to transact is restricted to the actions authorized by its trust documents. The additional 90 days in the timeline requirement is incorporated from the REMIC provisions of the IRC to provide a “clean-up period” for a REMIC to complete the documents associated with the transfers of assets to a REMIC after the startup day (which is also the Trust closing date). there are several methods by which the underlying assets of the Trust.htm(last viewed 1/7/10) This date is defined in the Trust instrument at page 25 of 397 in exhibit 1.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1352655/000088237706000801/d431341. Therefore. the closing date/startup date was February 28.01 of the PSA:
4http://sec. all of the assets of the Trust were to be transferred to the Trust on or before the closing date. 2006.The most critical time is the Trust’s closing date. for an asset to become an asset of the Trust it must have been transferred to the Trust within the time set forth in the PSA. In this case.
The first labeled “A” states “in blank or to the order of “LaSalle Bank National Association.Asset-Backed Certificates. In the second paragraph of the language in the Trust Agreement.endorsed without recourse” followed by two alternatives which are phrased in the either/or format. as its agent. the Depositor has delivered to. including any riders thereto. in blank. The key document is the original mortgage note. without recourse. as Trustee for Certificateholders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I LLC . which requires mandatory endorsements found in this language: “the original mortgage note…. and deposited with. The key language in the entire paragraph is the final statement trailing the “either/or” language of A & B which reads: “and in each case showing an unbroken chain of endorsements from the original payee thereof to the Person endorsing it to the Trustee”.” The second possibility stated in “B” provides as the “or” proposition for transfer the following statement “in the case of a loan registered on the MERS system. each Seller sold.”or (B) in the case of a loan registered on the MERS system. endorsed without recourse (A) in blank or to the order of “LaSalle Bank National Association. the first statement is one of transfer. all the right. In connection with such sale. -7-
. transferred. set over and otherwise conveyed to the Depositor.Pursuant to the Mortgage Loan Purchase Agreement. The analysis of this transfer language requires the court to consider each part. the following documents or instruments with respect to each Mortgage Loan so assigned: (i) the original Mortgage Note. Asset-Backed Certificates. assigned. as Trustee for Certificateholders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I LLC. Series 2006-EC2. the affirmative language of the Trust agreement places a burden on the depositor to make a valid legal transfer in the terms required by the Trust instrument. and in each case showing an unbroken chain of endorsements from the original payee thereof to the Person endorsing it to the Trustee. Series 2006-EC2. stating “the Depositor has delivered to and deposited with the Trustee or the Custodian the following documents”. in blank…” In each case. title and interest of such Seller in and to the assets sold by it in the Trust Fund…. the Trustee or the Custodian.
This requirement stems from a particular business concern in securitization. endorsed without recourse to the order of “LaSalle Bank National Association. Asset-Backed Certificates. as Trustee for certificateholders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I LLC. which shall be available for inspection by the Purchaser or its designee.Stacked upon the top of this requirement of an unbroken chain of endorsements is the requirement of certification of the final contents of the collateral file for the benefit of the Trust. Adams. and thus not subject to the claims of creditors of the originator. all notes sold to the Trust were required to have an unbroken chain of endorsements from the original payee to the person endorsing it to the Trustee. First. This requirement is found at Exhibit 1 to the MLPA (Mortgage Loan Purchase Agreement). (a) The original Mortgage Note.what's the purpose then of having a 19 chain of endorsements. Series 2006-EC2. The foregoing requirement demonstrates clearly that while the parties to the securitization made provisions whereby promissory notes for this Trust might be delivered in blank to the Trustee. or depositor. This Document is found at Horace 391 and states as follows: With respect to each Mortgage Loan. A fact testified to by the Plaintiff’s securitization expert. sponsor.”and showing to the extent available to the related Mortgage Loan Seller an unbroken chain of endorsements from the original payee thereof to the Person endorsing it to the Trustee. there were two requirements that were mandatory. sponsor. including any riders thereto. who explained under examination by Counsel for the Trust as follows:
Page 83 17 Q So what then I guess with respect to 18 notes is -. which is an attachment to and incorporated as a part of the PSA in Section 2. or depositor. if what I'm concerned
. namely to evidence that there was in fact a “true sale” of the securitized assets and that they are in no way still property of the originator.01. Thomas J. the Mortgage File shall include each of the following items. and which shall be delivered to the Purchaser or its designee pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
51773U. within 90 days of the Trust closing date. 2004 N. James.that they 6 will have the right to establish their ownership 7 as investors in that collateral. See. B-2. 49 (N. 21 (1935). 1943) (applying common law trust principles to a pool of mortgage participation certificate holders).that the -. you want confidence 4 that the collateral for the file is properly 5 conveyed to it. in Burgoyne v. Under New York law.
. such as the defendant.g.20 about is who currently owns it? 21 A My understanding is that it helps 22 establish how you came to possess it. 290 N. the actual promissory note must be endorsed over to the trustee for the specific trust to effectively transfer the asset into the trust and therefore make the Horace promissory note Trust property. Slip Op. 8 In order to have a valid inter vivos gift. are subject to the common law of New York. 18.Y. there was a requirement that ultimately. Sur. 4 (N. that -. 8 ““In the case of a trust where there is a trustee other than the grantor. New York Law Governs The Mandatory Requirements To Effectively Transfer An Asset To A Trust It is not contested that securitization trusts. 282 N. 2004).Y. transfer will be governed by the existing rules as to intent and delivery (the elements of a gift)””In re Becker. the New York Supreme Court recognized that business trusts. And why does that matter? Page 84 1 A From an investor perspective in a 2 mortgage backed securities governed by a pooling 3 and servicing agreement. the ancient and settled law of New York on this issue. First ’Nat’l Bank of Chattanooga.. There are a few principles of New York Trust law that are particularly important to the analysis of whether any particular asset is an asset of a given trust.2d 46.
Second. the analysis of whether an asset is trust property is determined under the law of gifts. Ct. Sur. 137 F. See also In re Estate of Plotkin.S.2d 1013 (6th Cir. in fact. there must be a delivery of the gift (either by a
As early as 1935. 7 New York’s trust law is ancient and settled. This requirement finds support in logic and law and is. Mayfield v.S. 1968) (characterizing common stock trust funds as ““common law trust[s]””). 23 Q Okay. Other jurisdictions are in accord.Y. e. also known as ““Massachusetts trusts”.Y.”are deemed to be common law trusts.Y.
.2d 838 (N. 117 N.” 12 There is no trust under the common law until there is a valid delivery of the asset in question to the Trust. 428-429. supra.D. (3) a fund or other property sufficiently designated or identified to enable title thereto to pass to the trustee. 395) as cited in Gruen v. 56 (N. 10 (Matter of Szabo. see. 10 N. 10 The delivery rule requires that “‘[the] delivery necessary to consummate a gift must be as perfect as the nature of the property and the circumstances and surroundings of the parties will reasonably permit. Matter of Szabo.2d 94. 98). 318-320. 105 Misc 30. Marx v. supra. at p 309. 266 App. when he himself is the trustee. Matter of Cohn. Speelman v Pascal. 248 N. no rights of the beneficiary in a trust created without consideration arise (cf. 98-99.Y. 10 N.Y. supra. 56-57 (N. 201. Beaver. with the intention of passing legal title thereto to him as trustee. aff’d 190 App. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co. Matter of Van Alstyne.Y.Y. 83. 68 N. Div. 11 (id. Sussman. Div. Div. 13 Until the delivery to the trustee is performed by the settlor. or until the securities are definitely ascertained by the declaration of the settlor. Spohr. 421.Y. App. supra.2d 313. Vincent v Rix. 1986).Y.Y. 392.Y. 76. Beaver v..’” 11 “Under New York law there are four essential elements of a valid trust of personal property: (1) A designated beneficiary. 586. supra. 13 If the trust fails to acquire the
(see. Riegel v. Matter of Gurlitz [Lynde]. supra. 5 Misc 2d 42) as cited in Sussman v. 209-210 (N. 2d Dep’t 1978). Beaver v. Gruen. 907. who must not be the beneficiary. Div. 1986) . 61 A. Marx.physical delivery of the subject of the gift) or a constructive or symbolic delivery (such as by an instrument of gift) sufficient to divest the donor of dominion and control over the property9 and “what is sufficient to constitute delivery ‘must be tailored to suit the circumstances of the case’”. Gruen. at p 428) as cited in Gruen v. 1904).2d 48.Y.Y. Beaver. 68 N. 12 Brown v. 187 App. and (4) the actual delivery of the fund or other property. (2) a designated trustee. at p.
.2d 48.Y. supra. or of a legal assignment thereof to the trustee. 180 N..
Manufacturers Trust Co. . 468 N. 2008 N. the complaint was properly dismissed on the ground that he had acquired no title or separate control of the goods and. the mortgage loan purchase agreements. there was no actual trust over the property to breach.. 15 In the context of mortgage-backed securitization. . 16 Courts may neither ignore the actual provisions of transaction documents nor create contractual remedies that were omitted from the governing contracts by the contracting parties.Y.D.Y.”” (citations omitted)). 881. Ins. hence.. 15 Wells Fargo Bank v. . Pope.Y. it is clear that registration of the notes and mortgages in the name of the trustee for the trust is necessary for effective transfer to the trust.S. the actual contracts of the parties.2d 649. . should be expressed as such. Misc Lexis 3248. v. Div. 16 The Trust documents require that the promissory notes and mortgages be transferred to the Trustee. and thereby ‘make a new contract for the parties under the guise of interpret[ation]. Magnetic Head Corp. See Schmidt v.E. Farmer.2d 603 (N. 282 (N.” prescribe a very specific method of transfer of the notes and mortgages to the Trust. 1961) (““[T]he courts may not by construction add or excise terms . which include the custodial agreements.” Further.. Because the method of transfer is set forth in the Trust instrument. . 172 N. Morlee Sales Corp. 882 (N. it is not subject to any variance or exception. App. and not left to implication. 3d Dep’t 1957). The question then arises — “What constitutes valid delivery to the Trustee?”
14 In an action against the individual defendant as trustee. which under New York trust law requires valid delivery.1(c) authorizes investment trusts to acquire real or personal property “in the name of the trust as such name is designated in the instrument creating said trust. 14 An attempt to convey to a trust will fail if there is no designated beneficiary in the conveyance.11 -
. based on the theory of breach of fiduciary obligation.Y.property. .’““ (quoting Heller v. Co. 654 (N. 1928))
. 1983) (““It is fundamental that courts enforce contracts and do not rewrite them . Liberty Mut.Y. Within the Statutes of New York governing Trusts. and the trust instrument known as the “pooling and servicing agreement. App.then there is no trust over that property which may be enforced.2d 280.E.Y. Kermani v. 250 N. Estates Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) section 7-2. An obligation undertaken by one of the parties that is intended as a promise . 4 A.Div.
more information about compliance with these requirements becomes apparent. 12.2d 147 (1st Dept.Y. Corp.Y. aff’d 45 NY2d 869. 248 N.“[i]t is settled that the duties and powers of a trustee are defined by the terms of the trust agreement and are tempered only by the fiduciary obligation of loyalty to the beneficiaries”. 627 (1928).). One must first understand that “[t]he corporate trustee has very little in common with the ordinary trustee .S. has his [or her] rights and duties defined. Restatement [Second] of Trusts § 186.D. 1985) as cited in Ambac Indem. 20 see.D. cert.12 -
.. Continental Resources. aff’d. . v. Thus the Trustee in this case can only take delivery in strict compliance with the terms of the PSA/Trust document. 57 A. “[a]n indenture trustee is unlike the ordinary trustee. 816 (2d Cir.Y. United States Trust Co. 19 See Meckel v. not by the fiduciary relationship. Bankers Trust Co. comments a. Chase National Bank.Y. 57.S.Y. 257 A. L. Slip Op. it has been said. resembles a stakeholder whose obligations are defined by the terms of the indenture agreement. . Hazzard v.). 1st Dep’t 2000). Further. 311 U. 252 (1st Dept. but exclusively by the terms of the agreement. 541 (Sup. 758 F. 5766.D. 227 N. 282 N. In contrast with the latter. 20 The clear import of these cases and statutes is that the delivery of an asset to a trustee under the terms of a corporate indenture requires strict compliance with the mandatory transfer terms of the trust indenture.2d 811.D.2d 285.Y. Ct. 2008 N. some cases have confined the duties of the indenture trustee to those set forth in the indenture. His [or her] status is more that of a stakeholder than one of a trustee. 295-296.
. Sup. . State St. 950. v First Nat’l City Bank.Y. 336 (N... Bank & Trust Co. 708 (1940).. 19 Moreover.P.Y. aff’d. Ct. 652.S. d) as cited in In re IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Co. . 14 N. 7 (N. 287 N.2d 322 (N. 1991). aff’d. 271 A.” 18 The indenture trustee. given that New York Estates Powers and Trusts Law section 7-2. Div. . v. 151 Misc. 223 A.1(c) authorizes a trustee to acquire property “in the name of the trust as such name is designated in the
AG Capital Funding Partners. The trustee under a corporate indenture . 1936).” 17 Indeed. denied. 159 Misc. Title Guarantee & Trust Co.S.Y.When the requirements of transfer to the trustee are viewed in the context of the corporate or business trust indenture. 2008) Green v. 2d 334. App.
Marx.D.A. Div. In fact. 22 (2) The delivery necessary to consummate a gift must be as perfect as the nature of the property and the circumstances and surroundings of the parties will reasonably permit. held with incomplete endorsements and assignments that do not indicate that the property is held in trust by a trustee for a specific beneficiary trust. 23 It is the consummation of the donor’s intent to give that completes the transaction. Marx v. 266 App. Farmer. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co. it is clear in the law of New York that an attempt to transfer to a trust which fails to specify both a trustee and a beneficiary is ineffective as a conveyance to the Trust. intention or mere words cannot supply the place of an actual surrender of control and authority over the thing intended to be given.13 -
. 61 A. Div.Y. Ct. as the Defendant argues. there must be a change of dominion and ownership.” there should be little doubt that for transfer to an trustee to be effective.instrument creating said trust property.. 76. Div. 23 Vincent v. no rights of the beneficiary in a trust created without consideration arise”. Putnam. 2008 NY Slip Op 51133U. 2d Dep’t 1978). 248 N.Y. 907. no matter how fully established. v. 105 Misc. App.Y. supra. Sussman. Sup. 5 Misc 2d 42) as cited in Sussman v. or until the securities are definitely ascertained by the declaration of the settlor. is of no avail
21 Wells Fargo Bank. 30. the property must be registered in the name of the trustee for the particular trust. 6 (N.”21 This position is further supported logically in the common law of New York by the following propositions: (1) “Until the delivery to the trustee is performed by the settlor. Matter of Gurlitz [Lynde]. 82-84 (N. Trust property cannot be. Riegel v. “The failure to name a
beneficiary for the Trustee renders the assignment without merit. 2008) 22 (cf. 586. 1928). Intention alone. N. when he himself is the trustee.2d 838 (N. aff’d 190 App.Y.
868.Y.Y. [***15] . Accordingly.St. Furenes v. the gift is not complete until the property has actually been delivered to the donee.A. Pratt. 24 How could one logically argue that delivering a promissory note endorsed in blank (making it bearer paper) into a trustee’s vault is “delivery beyond the authority and control of the donor” when the vault is managed by the agent of the donor? If the donor were to claim that the promissory note were its property. 25 (See. Eide. 941.
. Sup. for the ordinary principle of agency applies. 49 Ind. there would be no evidentiary basis for the trustee to claim ownership. 340.E. Div. New York law expressly requires that for property to be validly delivered to a trust. the property must pass completely out of the control of the donor (and its agents): “If the donor delivers the property to the third person simply for the purpose of his delivering it to the donee as the agent of the donor. he must be the agent of the donee. Exchange Bank. Rix. Love v.S.D. App. 190. Grant Trust & Savings Co. Building Co. Bank & Trust Co. at any time before the authority is executed. [**428] Merchant v.2d 133. 6 L. 84 Hun. 181. 531). Dickeschied v. 17 Ohio Circuit Ct. 1948). supra v.14 -
.Sav.”” 25 Another case addressing this issue holds that “In order that delivery to a third person shall be effective. by which the donor can revoke the authority of the agent. 201. Delivery to an agent of the donor is ineffective. as the agency could be terminated before delivery to the intended donee.R. 403. it is inconceivable that anything other than registration into “the name of the trust as such
Phillippsen v. Va. Rix. Accordingly. 257 A. 117 N. 86 N. 869-870 (N. 63 Mich.Rep.without the consummated act of delivery. 22 N. Beaver. 421. Emigrant Indus. 15 Am. 28 W. (Beaver v.) 26 In re Nat’l Commer. 137-138 (N. supra..Y. Such a delivery is not absolute. servicers. v. 3d Dep’t 1939) citing Vincent v. supra.Y. 345. 940. Ct. sponsors and depositors. also. Francis. not the trustee’s. 511. Bank. Bump v. 428. and resume possession of the property. App. Tucker. 109 Ia.” 26 Trustees for securitizations often occupy many roles simultaneously and conflictingly both as document custodians and trustees for myriad thousands of securitizations as well as for various parties who are active in the securitization process including originators.
S. Natl. 2011).15 -
. 7. The facts of the case in Massachusetts and the facts of this instant case are similar. the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts—the highest court in that state—rendered a unanimous verdict in a case captioned U. Ibanez. Absent such registration. Jan. Absent such registration. (Mass. Series 2005-0PT 1. if anything less constituted delivery. there would be nothing that would indicate which of thousands of trusts in the care of a trustee a particular promissory note might belong to or if it were the personal property of the trustee itself.. a promissory note would simply be bearer paper. Bank Assn.1(c)
. While that ruling is of course not binding upon this court. SJC-10694. On January 7. Trustee. Both the Massachusetts and the Horace cases concern an entity seeking to foreclose on the mortgagor when the foreclosing entities did not possess the underlying promissory note at the time of the foreclosure (or attempted foreclosure in the Horace situation). For ABFC 20050PT 1 Trust. Further. The case was a ruling on two consolidated cases – both cases were filed by banks (as trustees for
27 EPTL 7-2. 2011. why are our courts overwhelmed with robo-signed mortgage assignments and affidavits expressing legally-impossible transfers into the specific trusts long after the trusts have closed for funding? This point was recently slammed home to the public consciousness in a watershed decision out of the State of Massachusetts. No. v. it is very much contrary to the mortgage securitization industry’s position in cases involving the foreclosure of mortgage loans which have allegedly been securitized. and thus the property of anyone who obtained possession of it. ABFC Asset Backed Certificates.name is designated in the instrument creating said trust property”27 could ever qualify as delivery to any particular securitization trust.
therefore. cases and contracts lead to one inescapable conclusion: the intent of the parties and the requirements of the contracts were that the assets be conveyed to the Trusts by the Trust closing dates. and they should be upheld even if adherence to the law is inconvenient for banks rushing to sell mortgage-backed securities. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court did. For a transfer to any .16 -
. All that has changed is the [banks’] apparent failure to abide by those principles and requirements in the rush to sell mortgage-backed securities. Effectively.” Just as the principles and requirements of Massachusetts law are well-founded. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court noted that “The legal principles and requirements we set forth are well established in our case law and our statutes. neither had title to the foreclosed properties and that their foreclosures were void. valid obligations. which are still outstanding. B-3 THE INTENT TO TRANSFER AN ASSET TO THE TRUST IS NOT A
TRANSFER TO THE TRUST The contents of these statutes. this put the borrowers back into the place they were before the foreclosure. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that neither bank proved that its trust owned the mortgages when they foreclosed on the homes. sharply instruct the banks that they must have the proper documentation which demonstrates a valid right to foreclose before a foreclosure can be carried out. so too are those of New York law. however. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court did not tell the homeowners they are allowed to shirk their obligation to pay their mortgages. It is well worth noting the conclusion of the Massachusetts Ibanez opinion.two separate trusts) to quiet title on properties they had foreclosed and purchased at the foreclosure sale to satisfy the mortgagor’s debt.
540. 76. 76. parties such as the defendant trust are left to argue hope against precedent. The failure to deliver the notes and mortgages to these trusts as required by the trust instruments is a default under the terms of every agreement that these parties executed. 941 (N. there should have been a registration of the assets into “the name of the trust as such name is designated in the instrument creating said trust property”—this is the only method by which these assets could have been “divested from the possession and title” of the donors.Y. 248 N. including their agreements for payment guarantees with the monoline bond insurers.” 28 Equity will not help out an incomplete delivery. confers no right upon the intended beneficiary. 4th Dep’t 1942)
.D. Div. 85. The controlling law is overwhelmingly against the industry in this position.17 -
. 264 A. 247 App.particular trust to be effective. Pieret. 248 N. The well-settled New York trust law provides that “A mere intention to make a gift which has not been carried into effect. In response to the lucidity of the controlling law on this issue. Rix. Now that the actions of the foreclosure industry contradicts that law. 407. 409. 281 N. The securitization industry chose to create its securitization trusts under New York law precisely because the law was ancient and settled. 85 v. Rix.Y.) as cited by In re FIRST TRUST & DEPOSIT CO. McCarthy v. Div.Y.. Matter of Green. There must be also delivery beyond the power of further control and dominion. the mortgage foreclosure industry has chosen to argue that it is clear that it was the parties’“intent” to transfer these assets and therefore “no court” would ever declare that these assets were not transferred to these trusts. 940. If the agent of the donor has failed to make the delivery expected equity will
(Vincent v. App.Y.
309-310 (N. 146 (N. Thus if it is actually present. McNee.. 170 Misc. that made a symbolical delivery necessary. some cases have confined the duties of the indenture trustee to those set forth in the indenture. 31 In re Van Alstyne. although the donor need not in person or by agent hand the article to the donee. if the latter assumes the possession. Thornton on Gifts and Advancements (§140) notes: “In determining whether there has been a valid delivery.Y. the failure to convey to a trust per the controlling trust document is not a matter that may be cured by the breaching party. Ct. 33 Ambac Indem. Ct. the situation of the subject of the gift must be considered. Sup. 1991). 151 Misc. 144. 298. and capable of delivery without serious effort. either deed or will. 29 “Thus.” 30 It is true that the old rule requiring an actual delivery of the thing given has been very largely relaxed. 298.Y. 32 Allison & Ver Valen Co. Sup.
. 1913).Y.Y. v. Corp. Putnam. 76. 248 N. New York law is unflinchingly clear that a trustee has only the authority granted by the instrument under which he holds. 207 N. 1939). 207 N. 33 From this context springs the seminal rule of law that effectively causes the parties to the Trust agreement and the Trust to be “gored by their own bull”. This fundamental rule has existed from the beginning and is still law.” There was absolutely nothing in the physical nature of the papers to be delivered in this case. 82-84 (N.Y. or in the physical condition or the surroundings of the donor. but a symbolical delivery is sufficient only when the conditions are so adverse to actual delivery as to make a symbolical delivery as nearly perfect and complete as the circumstances will allow.18 -
. 1928) In re Van Alstyne. New
Vincent v. In contrast with the latter. 2d 334. it is not too much to say that there must be an actual delivery. 31 Further. Bankers Trust Co.Y. 1913).not declare him a trustee for the donee.Y. 32 An indenture trustee is unlike the ordinary trustee. 309-310 (N.Y. v. 336 (N.
Therefore. they are not assets of the trusts and the trustee cannot correct this deficiency now since the funding period provided in the Trust instruments passed many years ago. late assignments. THE TRUST NEVER PROPERLY ACQUIRED THE MORTGAGE NOTE AND
Under New York law there is no trust over property that has not been properly transferred to a trust. the trustees for these trusts may only acquire assets in the manner set forth in the trust instrument and may not acquire assets in violation of the trust instrument.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1352655/000088237706000801/d431341.York’s law is so well-settled regarding the limitations of a trustee’s power to act that New York’s Estates Powers and Trust Law Section 7-2. conveyance or other act of the trustee in contravention of the trust. improper chains of title.S. every sale.htm(last viewed 1/7/10)
. The attempt to acquire assets by these trusts which violate the terms of the Trust instrument are void. To the extent that any assets were not conveyed to these trusts as required and when required by the trust instrument. is void. improper chains of title in the endorsements and the attempt to transfer to the trusts by foreclosure deed are just a number of the many examples of actions which are void if taken by a party to the indenture who is attempting to transfer property to the Trustee for the Trust in violation of the trust instrument. Securities and Exchange Commission in filings under oath that it has assets in excess of $400 million.4 states: § 7-2. except as authorized by this article and by any other provision of law.
Therefore. late endorsements.19 -
. 34 To acquire assets. The Defendant Trust stated to the U. the Trust must be
34http://sec. C.4 Act of trustee in contravention of trust If the trust is expressed in the instrument creating the estate of the trustee.
to EMC Mortgage Corp. there is no “showing” of an unbroken chain of endorsements in the documents provided to the Plaintiff. Encore. Asset-Backed Certificates. not LaSalle. as Trustee for Certificateholders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I LLC.” signed by an unreadable name with an unreadable title. LaSalle 29.funded in accordance with the requirements of the PSA/Trust documents. is the mortgage holder. based on the documents in this case. then EMC Mortgage Corp. . . 36 In the discovery provided to the Plaintiff. 36 See Bates #: LaSalle/Horace 0067-0068: ““(A) in blank or to the order of ““LaSalle Bank National Association. The affidavit of Thomas J. LaSalle does not have the authority to foreclose the mortgage. The person endorsing to the Trustee was the Bear Stearns entity. in blank. and in each case showing an unbroken chain of endorsements from the original payee thereof to the Person endorsing it to the Trustee. to Bear Stearns. 37 The last assignment of the mortgage was a blank endorsement with a stamp by Encore — nothing has been submitted by the Trust to the Court indicating that Encore ever assigned the mortgage to any other entity. 35 This section details how the mortgage notes in the instant case were transferred from Encore Credit Corp.”” 37 Bates #: Horace v.01 (Conveyance of Trust Fund) of the PSA. Thus. expert for the Plaintiff. Bear Stearns as the Depositor was required to deliver to LaSalle the original mortgage note showing an unbroken chain of endorsements from the original payee to the person endorsing it to the Trustee.
. 2006 there should have been — at a minimum — endorsements from Encore Credit Corp. The pertinent terms of the agreement are found at §2.20 -
. A California Corporation.”” or (B) in the case of a loan registered on the MERS system. (as the Sponsor and Master Servicer) to Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I LLC (the Depositor) to LaSalle Bank National Association (the Trustee). . the only endorsement to the Horace mortgage note is a blank endorsement “pay to the order of ______ without recourse Encore Credit Corp. 38 Plaintiff states ““at a minimum”” because there may have been more transfers.. Adams. Series 2006-EC2. No later than May 29. testified to this:
35 Bates #: Lasalle/Horace 0067. (as Originator) to EMC Mortgage Corp. 38 And yet. then Bear Stearns to LaSalle.
¶17. Adams. 2006 passed nearly 5 years ago.
. Any attempt by LaSalle. . . the promissory note cannot be transferred to the Trust. ¶ 12. D. Adams. the power to sell lands is held by the person who “ . in the PSA’s exhibits. Affidavit and Testimony of Thomas J. 40 Because the uncontradicted evidence in the case is that the Horace loan has never been conveyed to the Trust and a conveyance to the Trust at this time would be void as violating the terms of the PSA the Court is left with one clear and inescapable proposition: The Trust has never owned the Horace promissory note and the Trust can never own the Horace promissory note.“According to the requirements set forth in the Trust Agreement I would expect to see a series of endorsements of the promissory note reflective of each party who had an interest in the promissory note reflective of each party who had an ownership interest in the promissory note culminating with a blank endorsement from the depositor at the very minimum. THE TRUST IS NOT ENTITLED TO THE MONEY SECURED BY THE HORACE MORTGAGE AND CANNOT FORECLOSE
Per Ala. to transfer the promissory note to the Trust at this late date would fail for numerous reasons.” As outlined above. Further. becomes entitled to the money thus secured.” 39 The Trust never possessed the mortgage note per the terms of the PSA (Pooling and Service Agreement). Code §35-10-12. not the least of which is that the closing date of February 28. By the terms of the Trust and the applicable provision of the Internal Revenue Code incorporated into and a part of the Trust agreement. Exhibit One sets forth the contents of the collateral file for each mortgage loan that is trust property and further includes a final specific endorsement to the Trustee for the specific trust in this case to effect a final transfer to the Trust and to make the Horace promissory note trust property.21 -
Affidavit and Testimony of Thomas J. or Bank of America. by assignment or otherwise.
Plaintiff moves this Court to permanently enjoin LaSalle Bank National Association (and Bank of America as its successorin-interest) from foreclosing on the property at 3745 Knowles Road. P.O. Phenix City because they have failed to make the required showing that they are or ever were or ever could be the holder of the mortgage promissory note. Box 3889 Auburn. Wooten – Ala. AL 36831-3389 Tel.22 -
. Bar No. 36831 (334) 887-3000
41 Affidavit and Testimony of Thomas J. Adams. Woo084 (Attorney for Plaintiff) P.” 41
CONCLUSION Based on the law. Wooten Nicholas H.O. Al.C.Trust has not provided documentation to show that it was or is entitled to the money secured by the mortgage of Horace’s property. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED. /s/ Nicholas H. ¶14 and deposition testimony page 140. “The defendant Trust [LaSalle] has offered no proof of ownership and the collateral file offered by the defendant Trust clearly demonstrates that this loan was not securitized nor was it transferred to this Trust. lines 4-8.
. and the arguments contained herein. Box 3389 Auburn. (334) 887-3000 Fax (334) 821-7720
OF COUNSEL: Mr. the failure to show the proper chain of endorsements. Nick Wooten WOOTEN LAW FIRM. P. the terms of the Pooling and Service Agreement.
JINKS. PO Box 350 219 Prairie Street North Union Springs. All counsel of Record
. AL 36089
I hereby certify that I have served a copy of the foregoing upon the Defendants by providing an electronic copy on this the 13th day of January 2011. & DICKSON.23 -
. CROW. P.C.
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