Court Opinion

ID: 9587966
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 23:28:28.058592+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:33:41.546790
License: Public Domain

Sognier, Judge,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent. The evidence is not in dispute. The party seeking to open default has made out a case of excusable neglect as defined by our case law, Cobb County Fair Assn. v. Boyle, 143 Ga. App. 754, 756 (240 SE2d 136) (1977). I think the trial court abused its discretion in failing to open default. Opening default in the instant case would allow “the case to be decided on its merits — which is what our system of justice is all about.” Houston v. Lowes of Savannah, 136 Ga. App. 781, 783, 785 (222 SE2d 209) (1975).
Appellant showed promptness and good faith in handling this matter and demanding that the Seays defend the case. Appellant’s reliance was due to a reasonable misunderstanding between it and *71the Seays’ attorney. I find no flaunting of the court’s process here. The case is strikingly similar to and controlled by Cobb County, supra. See also American Erectors v. Hanie, 157 Ga. App. 687 (278 SE2d 196) (1981). Further, no prejudice to any party will be suffered by opening default. The case involving multiple defendants must, in any event, be tried to determine liability. Rose Printing Co. v. EOS Group, 155 Ga. App. 743, 745 (272 SE2d 585) (1980).
While the matter was within the discretion of the trial court, the evidence here demanded a finding of excusable neglect and the trial court abused its discretion in denying appellant’s motion to open default.
I am authorized to state that Presiding Judge Shulman and Judge Birdsong concur in this dissent.