Opinion ID: 2052768
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Refusal to Stay the Proceedings

Text: We also reject Baker's contention that the court abused its discretion when it refused to stay the proceedings in the enforcement action pending the outcome of proceedings occurring in England, the successful prosecution of which may permit Baker to avoid the English judgment as a matter of law. [5] A stay of proceedings ... is not a matter of right but a matter of grace. The grant or denial of the stay rests in the sound discretion of the court. It will only be granted when the court is satisfied that justice will thereby be promoted. Cutler Associates, Inc. v. Merrill Trust Co., 395 A.2d 453, 456 (Me.1978) (citations omitted). Baker has not yet attempted to avoid the English judgment by directly or collaterally attacking it in the English Court. He has not demonstrated how a stay would serve any purpose other than delay. The court did not abuse its discretion in denying his motion for a stay.