Judge: Stephen P. Pfahler, Case: 23CHCP00410, Date: 2024-01-10 Tentative Ruling



Case Number: 23CHCP00410    Hearing Date: January 10, 2024    Dept: F49

Dept. F-49

Date: 1-10-24

Case #23CHCP00410

 

DISBURSE SURPLUS FUNDS

 

CLAIMANT: Jonathan Barnes

RESPONDENT: N/A

 

RELIEF REQUESTED

Claim for Surplus Funds

 

SUMMARY OF ACTION

A trustee sale of 8300 Sale 11671 Goleta St., Sylmar, occurred on March 29, 2023. The sale yielded a purchase price of $446,000. Following payment to the foreclosing creditor, and fees, a surplus of $143,538.57 remains.

 

On October 5, 203, Western Progressive filed a petition for the deposit of funds. The petition was served on the former homeowner, Betty Jean Cooper, as well as other individuals and one government entity.

 

The court record shows no signed order for the deposit of funds.

 

RULING: Denied without Prejudice.

Claimant Jonathan Barnes submits a claim for $175,834 based on two prior judgments. Notwithstanding the identification of Betty Jean Cooper as the prior owner in the petition, Claimant maintains former homeowner transferred the property to accomplice/conspirator/third party Christian Patrick Richards, Jr. on May 24, 2022, for purposes of evading collection on the judgment. Claimant also maintains the judgment is superior to any claims of other creditors.

 

Petitioner neither requested a hearing, nor filed any proof of deposit of the funds with the court, thereby allowing for dismissal of the trustee and invoking the clerk set hearing requirement. (Civ. Code, § 2924j, subd. (c-d).)

 

Petitioner is therefore ordered to deposit the funds with the court. Upon the deposit of the funds and proof of receipt of deposit to the court, Petitioner will be discharged, and the clerk will set the hearing for disbursement of surplus funds. (Ibid.) The court acknowledges the claim by Jonathan Barnes submits a claim for $175,834 based on unpaid judgements, but must wait for any and all claims pending the hearing for disbursement. (Ibid.)

 

The “motion” of Barnes otherwise fails to address the liens of the other parties. (See (Civ. Code, § 2924k, subd. (a).)

 

Claimant to give notice to all previously noticed participants.