Opinion ID: 1572098
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: On the Counterclaim

Text: Appellant Beheler assigns error in refusing to enforce Article XVIII as written. He claims that he is entitled to judgment for all of the partnership assets in exchange for their book value (approximately $200) and all of the accounts receivable in the amount of $23,634.21. As to partnership assets: Article XIII provided for the purchase by Beheler of a one-half interest in the capital assets (medical instruments, pharmaceutical supplies, office equipment and furniture) for the price of $3,242.03, to be paid by Beheler executing to Willman a nonnegotiable, noninterest-bearing promissory note payable in 36 equal monthly installments. The actual value of these assets on August 2, 1968 was $20,000-25,000, but their depreciated book value was only $208.10. The promissory note was never given, but Beheler made payments and received credits totaling $2,915.04, thereby reducing the $3,242.03 debt to $326.99. Instead of enforcing the first sentence of Article XVIII (under which Willman would have been paid about $200 for his interest in capital assets worth $20,000-25,000) the trial court decreed that in equity and good conscience Willman should have the privilege of acquiring Beheler's interest therein by refunding to Beheler the $2,915.04 paid by Beheler thereon. As to the accounts receivable: Article XII provided that all accounts receivable created prior to as well as after July 1, 1966 should be owned by the partnership and distributed according to the percentage of profits agreed upon. There were blank spaces in Article XVIII which were never filled in, because Willman could never get Beheler to discuss the matter. Willman tried to reach an agreement with Beheler on these things but failed. The parties never did agree upon a period of time to be inserted. The accounts receivable amounted to $59,819.22 on July 31, 1968. Willman continued to collect the accounts receivable and by agreement the collections were divided between the ex-partners on the basis of 55% to Willman and 45% to Beheler. The trial court decided that three years was a reasonable period for collection and division of the accounts receivable; the judge in effect filled in the blanks and decreed that all amounts collected prior to August 1, 1971 be divided 55% to Willman and 45% to Beheler, and that all accounts unpaid by August 1, 1971 become the property of Beheler. Where blanks are left in a written instrument and not filled in the agreement is uncertain and incomplete, and there is no meeting of the minds. Bengimina v. Allen, 375 S.W.2d 199, 203 (Mo. App.1964). We find that because of Beheler's failure to execute the promissory note called for or pay the full amount agreed upon, and the failure of the parties to fill in the blanks in Article XVIII, there was no meeting of the minds with reference to capital assets and accounts receivable. This is confirmed by the testimony of both parties that the agreement actually made orally differs from that finally drafted in Article XVIII. Considering the equities of the situation and the practical construction the parties have given these subjects the decree of the trial court on the counterclaim is not clearly erroneous and is affirmed. Decree nisi affirmed as to the counterclaim and ordered held in abeyance until the issues on the petition are determined; decree reversed as to the petition and cause remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion, with instructions to enter final judgment on both petition and counterclaim when the issues on the petition are finally adjudicated. STOCKARD, C., concurs.