Opinion ID: 2264739
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Listed Owners

Text: In addition to the cross-petitioner, the other successors to Lester's interest of all of the surface interest and 20% of the mineral interest were listed in the cross-petition as owners of the subject tract and fully participated in the partition proceedings. They were all represented by counsel, and a guardian ad litem was appointed to represent any minors. Nevertheless, defendants suggest that even the named, participating property owners were denied due process because the cross-petition failed to notify them that the mineral estate was being partitioned. To the contrary, identifying the property to be partitioned by its legal description, without noting any exceptions or reservations, put the parties on notice that the entire estate was involved. See Central Natural Resources, 288 Kan. at 242, 201 P.3d 680 (minerals considered part of the realty). The represented owners had ample opportunity to challenge or be heard on the question of the extent of the property to be partitioned. There was no due process violation. Further, defendants argue that the mineral interest was not part of the sheriff's sale because neither the court documents nor the sheriff's deed specifically described the mineral interests. Again, defendants have it backward. Neither the court documents nor the sheriff's deed purported to except or reserve the mineral interests. See K.S.A. 58-2202 (every real estate conveyance passes all of grantor's estate unless intent to pass less is expressed or necessarily implied in terms of grant). As noted, the sheriff's deed expressly stated that, in conformance with the court's order, it was conveying all interests of all plaintiffs and defendants in the consolidated partition action. Moreover, Lester's successors accepted the proceeds of the sheriff's sale, which as noted were in excess of what they were entitled. They did not file a direct appeal challenging the form of the pleadings, the description of the property, or the order of sale. At this late date, they have no basis on which to collaterally attack the judgment. See K.S.A. 60-2103(a) (the time within which an appeal may be taken shall be 30 days from the entry of the judgment); Hawkinson v. Bennett, 265 Kan. 564, 589, 962 P.2d 445 (1998) (collateral estoppel may be invoked where the parties are the same or in privity, the rights and liabilities of the parties on the issue was decided by judgment on the merits, and the issue was necessary to support the judgment).