Court Opinion

ID: 9581225
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 22:12:47.063048+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:36:47.354665
License: Public Domain

GORDON MYSE,
Reserve Judge, (dissenting.) The status of “dependent relative” is a question of fact relying on extrinsic facts for its determination. Such issues should generally be determined by the jury, not by the court on a motion for summary judgment. See Bauman v. Midland Union Ins. Co., 261 Wis. 449, 451, 53 N.W.2d 529, 530 (1952), quoted in Katze v. Randolph & Scott Mut. Fire Ins., 116 Wis. 2d 206, 211, 341 N.W.2d 689, 691 (1984). Factors to be considered involve support, the *486degree of control exercised over the claimed dependent relative, and the intent of the parties.
The majority construes “dependent relative” to include an individual who receives support from the named insureds. I disagree with the majority’s construction of dependent, which relies solely on the question of support as evidenced by room and board.
The majority’s own authorities indicate that more than the provision of room and board is involved in being dependent. The cited definition from Webster’s Third New International Dictionary (1976) is preceded by this definition: “unable to exist, ... or act suitably or normally without the assistance or direction of another.” Id. at 604. Similarly, Bloch’s Law Dictionary (5th Ed. 1979) as cited by the majority states: “[d]eriving existence, support, or direction from another . . . .” Id. at 393. (Emphasis added.) The direction or control of the individual by another is an integral part of dependency, as the majority’s own authorities indicate, but was completely omitted from its analysis.
The relevant factual question of direction or control was not addressed in the respondent’s summary judgment motion and accordingly the respondent has not “show[n] a defense which would defeat the claim.” In re Cherokee Park Plat, 113 Wis. 2d 112, 116, 334 N.W.2d 580, 583 (Ct. App. 1983). I would remand this action for resolution of that issue as it bears on dependency.