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Bankers Trust Co. of California, N.A. ex rel. UCFC Loan Trust v. Verdin

Citations: 900 So. 2d 980; 2005 La. App. LEXIS 803Docket: No. 04-CA-1299

Court: Louisiana Court of Appeal; March 28, 2005; Louisiana; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

In this appellate case, Envirowall Inc. challenged a district court decision in favor of Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee for UCFC Loan Trust, regarding a Petition For Executory Process against two individuals involving a mortgage and note initially issued in 1991. The dispute centered on the validity of a subordination agreement that was alleged to contain defects, including the absence of 'Ne Varietur' language and incorrect recordation details. Envirowall asserted a superior mortgage claim based on these alleged defects. However, the court upheld the subordination agreement, noting that minor typographical errors corrected by a Notarial Act did not invalidate the agreement, as the intent to subordinate was clear. The court also confirmed that Breaux, a signatory to the agreement, had undisputed authority to sign. The court further addressed the procedural requirements for executory process, affirming that the absence of a paraph does not hinder foreclosure rights under Louisiana law. Ultimately, the trial court's judgment affirming the subordination of Envirowall's mortgage to UCFC's was upheld, with costs of the appeal charged to Envirowall.

Legal Issues Addressed

Authority to Sign Subordination Agreement

Application: The court confirmed that Breaux's authority to sign the subordination agreement was not disputed, supporting the validity of the agreement.

Reasoning: Breaux's authority to sign was not disputed.

Defects in Act of Subordination

Application: The court found that alleged defects, such as the absence of 'Ne Varietur' language and erroneous recordation details, did not invalidate the Act of Subordination.

Reasoning: The court ruled that any defects did not invalidate the subordination.

Impact of Ineffective Paraph

Application: The court determined that the absence of a paraph does not impede a mortgagee's right to foreclose under Louisiana law.

Reasoning: Additionally, La. R.S. 9:5555 and 9:5556 outline procedures for obligations not paraphed and confirm that the absence of a paraph does not impede a mortgagee's right to foreclose under Louisiana law.

Requirements for Executory Process

Application: The court affirmed that the existence, amount, terms, and maturity of a note or obligation can be established through an affidavit or verified petition, even without a paraph.

Reasoning: For executory process, the existence, amount, terms, and maturity of a note or written obligation not formally linked to the mortgage may be established through an affidavit or verified petition.

Role of Notarial Acts of Correction

Application: The Notarial Act of Correction, addressing minor typographical errors, was found not to affect the intent of the subordination agreement.

Reasoning: A Notarial Act of Correction addressed minor typographical errors, which did not affect the Act's intent.

Validity of Subordination Agreements

Application: The court held that subordination agreements are valid even if imprecise descriptions exist, provided the parties' intent is clear.

Reasoning: Valid subordination can occur through a mortgage act, and a subordination agreement remains valid despite imprecise descriptions if the parties' intent is clear.