Opinion ID: 1476400
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Motion to Vacate Denied

Text: Upon receiving a copy of the Commissioner's decision awarding damages to the Martinellis, ACC filed a Motion to Vacate Default Judgment and Stay Execution. ACC alleged that service had been improper (an argument not raised in this appeal), that the failure to file an answer was not the result of willful neglect or gross misconduct, that a meritorious defense existed based upon the fraud and perjury of Dennis Martinelli, and that the Martinellis would suffer no legally cognizable prejudice if the default judgment was vacated. ACC's motion asserted that Patricia Frederick did not recognize the significance of the Summons and Complaint and did not advise appropriate management personnel that suit had been filed. No explanation was given in the motion as to what Patricia Frederick did or did not do with the Complaint after she accepted service of process. ACC's motion was not supported by affidavits or statements under oath. The Martinellis filed a response to ACC's motion. They asserted that: service was proper pursuant to the relevant statutes; that there was no factual support for the claims of excusable neglect; and that the allegations of fraud and perjury were specious attacks on Dennis Martinelli's character that should be stricken as scandalous and impertinent. The Martinellis requested an award of attorney fees for being required to respond to the motion. Following oral argument, the Superior Court denied ACC's motion to vacate the default judgment. It declined to award attorney fees to the Martinellis. ACC filed this appeal.