Opinion ID: 1369418
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Claims of Inequitable Result

Text: Tract C also argues that the trial court's findings upholding ARE's declaration of default resulted in the bestowing of unconscionable advantage and unjust enrichment upon ARE. The district court, in the exercise of its equitable powers, will not uphold a forfeiture under circumstances where it would be unfair to permit a vendor to cancel the contract, regain title to the property and retain all payments previously made. Eiferle v. Toppino, 90 N.M. 469, 565 P.2d 340 (1977). Under the circumstances present here, however, Tract C assigned all of its rights under the purchase agreement to KAC. Further, Tract C had actual knowledge of the fact of default for a period of time in excess of ninety days as well as knowledge of the fact of the sending of a notice of default by ARE; the failure to send a copy of the notice to Tract C did not defeat the effectiveness of the declaration of default. Tract C also has advanced arguments similar to KAC that permitting a default herein would result in unjust enrichment to ARE and an unconscionable result, considering the equities of the parties. Tract C argues that because of the substantial appreciation of the value of the realty covered under the contract, upholding a forfeiture herein would result in the imposition of a harsh result upon it and its purchaser KAC. Although the land under the contract may have materially appreciated in value, this does not dictate reversal of the trial court's findings upholding the validity of forfeiture. Tract C has additionally enumerated a number of other factors which it contends necessitate overturning the trial court's findings upholding the forfeiture. While the evidence may have supported findings and conclusions different from those adopted by the trial court, this does not warrant our overturning the ruling of the trial court where its decision and findings were supported by substantial evidence and are equitable in their result. Reynolds v. Reynolds, 132 Mont. 303, 317 P.2d 856 (1957); see Cardenas v. United Nuclear Homestake Part., 97 N.M. 46, 636 P.2d 317 (Ct.App. 1981). Where a contract is fair and unambiguous in its terms, a court will not amend or alter the terms of a contract and will enforce the agreement as made by the parties. Smith v. Price's Creameries Div. Etc., supra ; In re Will of Carson, 87 N.M. 43, 529 P.2d 269 (1974). On appeal we neither weigh conflicts in the evidence nor determine the credibility of witnesses. First National Bank of Santa Fe v. Wood, 86 N.M. 165, 521 P.2d 127 (1974). The function of an appellate court is to view the evidence in a light most favorable to support the findings and conclusions of the trial court. The decision of the trial court will not be reversed unless it appears that its findings and conclusions cannot be sustained either by the evidence or the permissible inferences therefrom. Lujan v. Pendaries Properties, Inc., 96 N.M. 771, 635 P.2d 580 (1981). This rule applies to Tract C's contention that upholding the trial court's decision permits an unconscionable result. The contract entered into between the parties specifically contemplated the right of ARE to declare a forfeiture in the event of non-payment of amounts due after notice of default. Consideration of the evidence and the equities of the respective parties do not show an abuse of discretion on the part of the trial court or that its decision is not supported by substantial evidence. Tract C has also adopted by reference each of the grounds asserted by KAC in its appeal. Careful review of each of the arguments advanced by Tract C does not convince us that the decision of the trial court was in error or that its decision should be overturned. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. Appellee is awarded its costs on appeal. IT IS SO ORDERED. PAYNE, Acting C.J., and FEDERICI, J., concur.