Court Opinion

ID: 6169921
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-02-05 19:32:29.636797+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:58:17.340384
License: Public Domain

S. Samuel Di Falco, S.
Petitioner in this proceeding under section 231-a of the Surrogate’s Court Act to have his compensation for legal services fixed moves to strike out respondents’ demand for a jury trial. Respondents, who are the *430executrix and sole legatees under the will, filed an answer in which, among other matters, a counterclaim requesting money damages based upon fraud and deceit was pleaded. They contend that they have a right to a jury trial on the basis of that counterclaim. Their contention is overruled.
There is no' constitutional right to a jury trial in a proceeding under section 231-a of the Surrogate’s Court Act which is a proceeding of an equitable nature. (Matter of Richards, 5 A D 2d 124, 125; Matter of Davis, 10 Misc. 2d 347.) A counterclaim in an equity isuit did not give rise to a right to a jury trial at common law. (Matter of Blair, 242 App. Div. 689.) The motion is accordingly granted.
Submit order on notice.