Court Opinion

ID: 6653821
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-20 20:56:20.607765+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:59:48.660767
License: Public Domain

Sullivan, J.
In this case, wdiich is a controversy betw’een the creditors and the w’ife of Charles H. Rohman, an insolvent trader, an opinion wras filed at the last term affirming the judgment of the district court. Plummer, Perry & Co. v. Rohman, 61 Nebr., 61. The correctness of our conclusion *146upon one point was challenged by motion for a rehearing, but we are entirely satisfied, after again examining the record, that our decision is right and ought to stand, even though we erred in holding that the estoppel was improperly pleaded. The petition alleges that the conveyance of the property in dispute was made in fraud of the rights of Rohman’s creditors. The answer of Eda M. Rohman, although abounding in statements of evidential facts, is in substance and legal effect a general denial. The second defense, which was the result of an abortive effort to plead an equitable lien or title, was stricken out. The only issue formed by the pleadings, the only issue tried and decided, was whether the transfer of the property was fraudulent. Upon that issue the court found in' favor of Mrs. Rohman; it found that Rohman, on November 14, 1895, OAved his wife about $3,600, and that he sold and conveyed the homestead to her in payment of this indebtedness. There was also an express finding that the transaction was an honest one. These findings being supported by sufficient evidence, the judgment of the district court is necessarily right. If the trial court had held with appellants on the question of estoppel, the only effect of its ruling would be to preclude Mrs. Rohman from denying that her husband had the complete, unincumbered legal and equitable ownership of the homestead. during the time the title stood of record in his name. The right to disprove the charge of fraud by showing an actual, bona-fide purchase for an adequate consideration would still remain. The creditors were not prejudiced by the rejection of their plea of estoppel, because the facts Avhich they sought to suppress were not asserted at the trial and exerted no influence whatever upon the decision. The-theory upon which the court gave judgment against the creditors was that Mrs. Rohman bought and paid for the property in good faith, not that she had an equitable title to, or lien upon, it before the purchase and transfer -Avere made. She asserted merely the right of an unsecured creditor, and it is not contended that she had said or done anything that ought *147to exclude her from the race of diligence with other creditors having like claims.
What was said in the former opinion in regard to plead-' ing an estoppel being unnecessary to a decision of the case, is now withdrawn, and the question is left open for future determination.
The judgment of affirmance is adhered to.
Affirmed.