Opinion ID: 2001887
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: baychar cross-appeal

Text: By her cross-appeal, Baychar challenges the trial court's resolution of her Consumer Code claim. She argues that she merits a more substantial attorney fee award than granted by the trial court. We disagree. The trial court's award of attorney fees is reviewable only for an abuse of discretion. Poussard v. Commercial Credit Plan, 479 A.2d 881, 884 (Me. 1984). The provision for attorney fees seeks to aid in the effective enforcement of the Code. Poussard, 479 A.2d at 883. The trial court noted that Baychar's central actions were for the breach of a fiduciary duty and the breach of a contract and reasoned that the evidence attending these actions fortuitously established her action against American for a violation of the Consumer Code. Thus, the court did not abuse its discretion in reasoning that a sizable award of attorney fees was not necessary for the effective enforcement of the Consumer Code and in establishing the fee accordingly at $3,000. Baychar also contends that her defenses to American's foreclosure action of lack of substantial performance and fraud should have been presented to a jury. An issue legal in nature is not attended by a right to jury trial when it is raised as a defense to an equitable issue. Entitlement to a jury trial depends on the type of relief requested by the claim, whether it be in the form of a complaint, a counterclaim or a cross-claim. See Cyr v. Cote, 396 A.2d 1013, 1016 (Me.1979); Merchants Bank v. Thibodeau, 143 Vt. 132, 465 A.2d 258, 260 (1983). American's statutory action for foreclosure against Baychar is equitable in nature and does not merit a jury trial. 14 M.R.S.A. § 6322 (Supp.1992). Accordingly, the court properly denied Baychar's request. The entry is: Judgments affirmed. All concurring.