Opinion ID: 1267527
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Denial of Conversion of 12(b)(6) Motion to Summary Judgment

Text: The Children contend that the trial judge should have converted their 12(b)(6) motion to a Motion for Summary Judgment. We disagree. Rule 12(b)(6) provides in pertinent part that: If on a motion asserting the defense numbered (6) to dismiss for failure to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action, matters outside the pleading are presented to and not excluded by the Court, the motion shall be treated as one for summary judgment and disposed of as provided in Rule 56, and all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to present all material made pertinent to such a motion by Rule 56. This section was interpreted in Brown v. Leverette , 291 S.C. 364, 353 S.E. (2d) 697 (1987). This Court ruled that notice provisions in Rule 56 are incorporated in Rule 12(b)(6) and must be observed before the motion could be converted to one for summary judgment. Here, the affidavit was never sent to the Attorneys nor were they advised of the Children's request for summary judgment. Because of the lack of notice, the trial court properly denied the conversion of the 12(b)(6) motion.