Opinion ID: 1984868
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: virginia rousselle

Text: We next address whether the Court of Appeals erred in determining that a directed verdict should have been granted in favor of Virginia. Virginia was not involved in the collision, but Clinten brought her into the action on the theory that Roger's negligence should be imputed to her under the joint enterprise doctrine. In reviewing the action of a trial court, an appellate court must treat a motion for directed verdict as an admission of the truth of all competent evidence submitted on behalf of the party against whom the motion is directed; such being the case, the party against whom the motion is directed is entitled to have every controverted fact resolved in its favor and to have the benefit of every inference which can reasonably be deduced from the evidence. Radecki v. Mutual of Omaha Ins. Co., 255 Neb. 224, 583 N.W.2d 320 (1998). A directed verdict is proper at the close of all the evidence only where reasonable minds cannot differ and can draw but one conclusion from the evidence, that is to say, where an issue should be decided as a matter of law. Id. To establish a joint venture or enterprise, the burden is on the plaintiff to show its existence by clear and convincing evidence. See Evertson v. Cannon, 226 Neb. 370, 411 N.W.2d 612 (1987). A joint venture or enterprise is in the nature of a partnership and exists when two or more persons contribute cash, labor, or property to a common fund with the intention of entering into some business or transaction for the purpose of making a profit to be shared in proportion to the respective contributions. Carey v. Humphries, 171 Neb. 578, 107 N.W.2d 20 (1961). Each of the parties must have equal voice in the manner of its performance and control of the agencies used therein, though one may entrust performance to the other. Dunn v. Hemberger, 230 Neb. 171, 430 N.W.2d 516 (1988). The relationship of joint venturers depends largely upon the intent of the alleged parties as manifested from the facts and circumstances involved in each particular case. Id.; Evertson v. Cannon, supra . A joint venture can exist only by voluntary agreement of the parties and cannot arise by operation of law. Global Credit Servs. v. AMISUB, 244 Neb. 681, 508 N.W.2d 836 (1993); Evertson v. Cannon, supra . Even a close relationship between two parties does not create an implied joint venture. Global Credit Servs. v. AMISUB, supra . In considering whether a joint venture exists, the acts and circumstances between spouses may not have the same significance as the same acts and circumstances between strangers might have. 46 Am.Jur.2d Joint Ventures § 58 (1994). The evidence presented at trial showed that Roger farmed a piece of land owned by Virginia's mother, as well as land he jointly owned with Virginia. Virginia testified that Roger was responsible for the day-to-day farming activities on their land, as well as her mother's land. Virginia's primary responsibilities were to care for the family home and the children. She denied participating in or being specifically aware of the actual farming activities. In arguing that there is evidence of a joint venture, Clinten points out that Virginia performed recordkeeping for the family and wrote checks to pay the bills. Clinten also notes Virginia's testimony that she has helped care for the cattle on rare occasions and has assisted Roger in irrigating by opening a headgate on a couple of occasions and in hanging tubing on one occasion. The vehicle driven by Roger at the time of the collision was titled in both Roger's and Virginia's names, as was the other farm machinery. Finally, Clinten points to the fact that farming is the primary source of income for the family, and Roger and Virginia file joint income tax returns which specify the farming operation as a business activity. We agree with the Court of Appeals that as a matter of law, the evidence was insufficient to show a joint enterprise in farming. Rather, the evidence shows only the naturally shared interests of a husband and wife working together to raise their family. There is no evidence of an intent to enter into an agreement for a joint enterprise. Nor is there sufficient evidence of Virginia's control over the farming operation. See Farm Bureau Service Co. of Hardin Cty. v. Bavender, 217 N.W.2d 560 (Iowa 1974) (where court was unwilling to impute joint venture to activities associated with being farm housewife).