BURNETT v. JEFFERS, 88 Colo. 613 (1931)

299 P. 18

BURNETT v. JEFFERS.

No. 12,357.Supreme Court of Colorado.
Decided May 11, 1931.

On motion to strike petition in intervention in a garnishment proceeding. Motion sustained.

Reversed.

1. GARNISHMENT — Intervening Claims — Summons. When a garnishee in his answer states that a third party claims property in his possession belonging to the debtor, it is the duty of the court to issue a citation or summons to said party, requiring him to appear and set up his claim.

2. Intervention — Appeal and Error. Where, in a garnishment proceeding, a third party files a petition in intervention claiming the property involved, he is entitled to have his claim tried and determined, and a denial of that right constitutes reversible error.

Page 614

Error to the County Court of Delta County, Hon. Frank M. Goddard, Judge.

Mr. W. H. BURNETT, pro se.

Mr. C. H. STEWART, for defendant in error.In Department.

MR. JUSTICE BUTLER delivered the opinion of the court.

J. WELLAND Jeffers sued O. J. Updegraff and his wife for $300. A writ of attachment and a summons in garnishment were served upon Herbert Chase, as garnishee. Chase answered November 1, 1924, stating that he was holding 110 bags of onions brought to his warehouse by Updegraff, and that Burnett claimed to own the onions by virtue of an assignment by Updegraff to him. The onions were sold under order of court, and the proceeds, $84.35, were deposited in court by Chase to abide the judgment of the court.

Notwithstanding Chase’s answer calling attention to Burnett’s claim, as permitted by section 138 of the Code of 1921, no citation or summons to Burnett was served, or even issued, as required by section 139 of the Code. On March 22, 1928, Burnett filed his petition in intervention, alleging his ownership of the onions by virtue of an assignment made by the Updegraffs to him for the benefit of their creditors, and that such assignment was made before the commencement of the action. On April 12, 1928, Jeffers filed a motion to strike the petition in intervention, which motion was sustained on March 5, 1929, at which time the court also denied Burnett’s application to plead further, and rendered judgment awarding Jeffers the money paid into court by Chase. Burnett filed a motion for a new trial, which was denied.

[1, 2] When Chase, in his garnishment answer, stated that Burnett claimed to own the onions by virtue

Page 615

of an assignment, it was the duty of the court to issue a citation or summons requiring Burnett to appear and set up his claim. Code of 1921. § 139. However, before the garnishment proceedings were determined, Burnett filed his verified petition in intervention; and, under section 146 of the Code, he was entitled to have his claim tried and determined. In denying him that right, the court committed reversible error.

The judgment is reversed, and the cause is remanded for further proceedings in harmony with the views herein expressed.

MR. CHIEF JUSTICE ADAMS, MR. JUSTICE MOORE and MR. JUSTICE BURKE concur.

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