Court Opinion

ID: 9718838
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 07:35:57.199072+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:24:03.122355
License: Public Domain

LUI, Acting P. J.
I concur in the result.
The essential question presented in this appeal deals with the obligation of the trial court to make an adequate statement of decision which covers all material issues of each cause of action pled and tried. The statement of decision entered below is inadequate as to the cause of action for constructive fraud.
Upon the request of any party to an action, the trial court is required to prepare a statement of decision under the circumstances set forth in section 632 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
It is obvious that a prevailing party would be motivated to assist the trial court in preparing an adequate and complete statement of decision.
Equally, it is highly improbable that a losing party would have any motivation to propose changes in a statement of decision which the losing party believes to be inadequate, choosing instead to raise the question of the adequacy of the statement on appeal. There is nothing improper for a losing party to take this position, and counsel for McCurter pursued this strategy below as her vigorous advocate.
Neither section 632 of the Code of Civil Procedure nor rule 232 of the California Rules of Court places any obligation on the losing party, such as the appellant herein, to assist the court in making a proper statement of decision.
Based on the decision in Miramar Hotel Corp. v. Frank B. Hall & Co. (1985) 163 Cal.App.3d 1126 [210 Cal.Rptr. 114], I concur in the reversal of the portion of the judgment pertaining to appellant McCurter’s complaint.
*597I also concur in the reversal of the portion of the judgment pertaining to respondent Older’s complaint and the decision to vacate the orders concerning costs.
A petition for a rehearing was denied October 24, 1985, and the petition of appellants Olders, Gallagher and Black for review by the Supreme Court was denied January 23, 1986. Lucas, J., did not participate therein.