Court Opinion

ID: 9883321
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-10-06 01:40:14.33545+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:48:22.627447
License: Public Domain

MR. JUSTICE CASTLES:
I dissent.
R.C.M. 1947, section 93-3905, provides a six-months limitation for relief from default upon the grounds stated in the respondent’s motion. In Galbreath v. Aubert, 116 Mont. 490, 157 Pac. (2d) 105, this court has held the taking of the default as being the time which starts the running of the six-months period. In the instant case the motion was not made until almost fourteen months later.
I agree with the majority opinion in that for fraud, whether it be actual or constructive, the six-months limitation would not bar an action to set aside a default — but if, and only if, it is brought as an equity action. In the instant case the ground of fraud was not set out in the motion. The motion was brought clearly under section 93-3905. The affidavits revealed that it was inexcusable neglect on the part of previous counsel. Under such a showing, the motion was barred and should have been denied.
I also disagree in that I do not feel that any showing of fraud on the part of plaintiff’s counsel was made, or could have been made, under the grounds stated in the motion to set aside the default.