Court Opinion

ID: 9775110
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 18:44:06.153502+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:32:20.118409
License: Public Domain

CROW, Presiding Judge,
concurring.
I concur in the principal opinion. I write separately to point out that Rule 74.05(d) authorizes a trial court, in setting aside a default judgment, to condition the order on such terms as are just, including a requirement that the party in default pay reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred by the adversary as a result of the default.
In this ease, a transcript was prepared of the evidentiary hearing on Ford’s motion to set aside the default judgment. Additionally, as explained in the principal opinion, the default precipitated four appeals. Consequently, costs have been generated which must ultimately be borne by someone. Because the default resulted from the dereliction of Ford’s lawyers, Plaintiffs should not be saddled with such costs.
As I read the principal opinion, nothing in it bars the trial court from exercising its authority under Rule 74.05(d). I believe the trial court should do so in this case.