Opinion ID: 2197984
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: [¶ 2] On May 25, 2007, Chase Home Finance LLC filed a complaint for foreclosure in the District Court and had it served on John H. and Valarie A. Higgins. The complaint alleged that the Higginses defaulted in payment on their mortgage note, that they were notified of the default and the right to cure at least thirty days before the filing of the complaint, and that they owed Chase $286,965.33. [¶ 3] The Higginses filed an answer, affirmative defenses, a counterclaim, and a notice of removal to the Superior Court on June 13, 2007. The counterclaim alleged that a loan modification agreement between the Higginses and Chase should be rescinded because it is unconscionable, unenforceable, and violates the Maine Consumer Credit Code, 9-A M.R.S. §§ 1-101 to 12-107 (2007). The Higginses also sought damages based on violations of the Maine Consumer Credit Code; the Unfair Trade Practices Act, 5 M.R.S. §§ 205-A to 214 (2007); the Maine Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 32 M.R.S. §§ 11001-11054 (2007); and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 10 M.R.S. §§ 1311-1330 (2007). [¶ 4] After removal to the Superior Court, Chase answered the counterclaim and then moved for summary judgment and for entry of final judgment on its complaint. Chase also filed a statement of material facts, an affidavit with exhibits in support of the motion, and a draft final judgment that addressed the Higginses' counterclaim only by stating, As permitted in Rule 54(b)(1) and finding that there is no just reason for delay, this judgment shall be entered as a final judgment as to the claims and parties involved notwithstanding the existence and/or pendency of any other claim(s), counterclaim(s) or cross-claim(s). Although Chase submitted a memorandum in support of its motion for summary judgment and the entry of final judgment, it did not offer any argument regarding why a final judgment should be entered. [¶ 5] The Higginses filed a memorandum opposing summary judgment, an opposing statement of material facts, and supporting affidavits with attached exhibits. Chase filed a reply memorandum and a supplemental affidavit with attached exhibits but did not file a reply statement of material facts. See M.R. Civ. P. 56(h)(3). [¶ 6] After holding a hearing on the motion, the court granted summary judgment in Chase's favor on the complaint for foreclosure and signed Chase's draft judgment of foreclosure and order for sale. The court altered the draft only by adding that the judgment followed a review of the written submissions and oral argument; it left intact the language regarding the Rule 54(b) certification of a final judgment. [¶ 7] The Higginses timely appealed from the judgment.