Opinion ID: 2281884
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Judgment I was a Final Judgment

Text: If an intended judgment does not dispose of all issues and all parties in the case or does not form a final disposition of the matter it is not a final, appealable judgment.... Avidan v. Transit Cas. Co., 20 S.W.3d 521, 523 (Mo. banc 2000) (quoting Wallace v. Hankins, 541 S.W.2d 82, 84 (Mo.App.1976)). To that end, it is well established that a judgment or decree in a quiet title action must affirmatively adjudge the title of the several parties. Harrington v. Muzzy, 258 S.W.2d 637, 638 (Mo. banc 1953) The instant case is predicated on a quiet title action, in which Appellant petitioned for the deed to be canceled and the trust to pay attorney's fees and court costs. Judgment I disposed of all the issues and parties in the action, ordering that the deed be canceled and denying Appellant's request for attorney's fees and court costs. As the deed was the only impediment to Appellant's absolute claim to title, cancellation of the deed adjudged the title of the several parties. There was nothing left for the court to do and, accordingly, Judgment I formed a final disposition of the quiet title action. Respondents' contention that the issue of attorney's fees remained outstanding is without merit. The trial court chose not to award Appellant attorney's fees and court costs, by crossing-out that provision in the judgment and placing the judge's signature next to it.