HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-2530LINDA MOWERY,
Plaintiff )
vs. )
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, )
individually, and CINDY RHOADS and )
DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-partners trading as
)
RHOADS & RHOADS PARTNERSHIP, )
Defendants )
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08 -cZS.36 CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
Pursuant to the authority contained in the warranty of attorney, the original or a copy of which is
attached to the complaint filed in this action, I appear for the Plaintiff and confess judgment in favor of
the Plaintiff and against the Defendants, as follows:
Principal $100,000.00
Attorney's fees and costs
(at 10% per the Note) $10,000.00
Total $110,000.00
Plus interest on the principal balance, at the rate of nine (9%) percent per annum, after 1 February 2008,
together with interest on the judgment, once entered, at the rate of nine (9%) percent per annum, plus
costs of suit.
Samuel L. Andes
Attorney for Plaintiff
Supreme Court ID # 17225
P.O. Box 168
Lemoyne, Pa 17043
(717) 761-5361
LINDA MOWERY,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VS.
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS,
individually, and CINDY RHOADS and
DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-partners trading as
RHOADS & RHOADS PARTNERSHIP,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 09- aS3d
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
COMPLAINT FOR CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
AND NOW comes the above-named Plaintiff, by her attorney, Samuel L. Andes, and makes the
following Complaint for the entry of judgment by confession in this matter, based upon the following:
1. The Plaintiff is Linda Mowery an adult individual who resides at 1581 Walnut Bottom Road
in Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The Plaintiff was, in August of 2002, known as Linda
Sedell and changed her name to Mowery following her marriage after that date.
2. The Defendants are Cindy Rhoads, an adult individual who resides at 343 Old State Road in
Gardners, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17324, Debra L. Rhoads, an adult individual who resides
at 211 West Pine Street in Mt. Holly Springs, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17065 and Cindy
Rhoads and Debra L. Rhoads, co-partners trading as Rhoads & Rhoads Partnership which has a business
address at 1 Pine Grove Road in Gardners, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17324.
3. In August of 2002, as part of a transaction whereby the Plaintiff sold real estate and business
assets to the three Defendants, the three Defendants gave Plaintiff a Promissory Note in the original
principal amount of $100,000.00, and containing various interest and other payment terms. A true and
correct reproduction of the original of that Note is attached hereto and marked as Exhibit A.
4. The Note given by Defendants to Plaintiff, attached hereto as Exhibit A, has not been
assigned by any party. No judgment has been previously entered on that Note in this or any other
jurisdiction.
5. Defendants have breached their obligations under the said Note in the following ways:
A. They have failed to make principal payments due on the Note in accordance
with Paragraph 2 of the Note.
B. They have failed to pay the full balance, of principal and interest, by l
February 2008, as required by Paragraph 2 of the Note.
As a result, the Defendants are now in default of the Note.
6. Plaintiff, by her attorney, notified Defendants of their default and demanded that they cure it
within thirty (30) days. A copy of that letter is attached hereto and marked as Exhibit B.
7. As a result of the Defendants' default, Defendants now owe Plaintiff the principal balance of
$100,000.00, plus interest after 1 February 2008, at the rate of nine (9%) percent per annum. In
addition, Defendants owe Plaintiff an attorney's commission of ten (10%) percent of the unpaid
principal balance and accrued interest, in accordance with Paragraph 11 of the Note.
8. Paragraph 11 of the Note authorizes Plaintiff to confess judgment against the Defendants for
all sums due under the Note.
9. Judgment in this matter has not been entered by confession against the Defendants. This is
not a consumer credit transaction; the debt being enforced by this complaint is a commercial debt.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays this Court to enter judgment against the Defendants, jointly and
severally, by confession, in the amount of $100,000.00, plus interest at the rate of nine (9%) percent per
annum after 1 February 2008, with an attorney's commission of $10,000.00, plus interest on the amount
of the judgment, at the rate of ten (10%) percent per annum, continuing until full payment has been
made, plus costs of suit.
Sam. L. Andes
Attorney for Plaintiff
Supreme Court ID # 17225
P.O. Box 168
Lemoyne, Pa 17043
(717) 761-5361
I verify that the statements made in this document are true and correct. I understand that any
false statements in this document are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 4904 (unsworn falsification
to authorities).
Date:
{
THIS IS A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION AND ANY REFERENCE TO ACTS WHICH
APPLY TO RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SHALL BE CONSIDERED NULL AND
VOID.
DATE: August 5, 2002
U.S. $100,000.00
Secondary Mortgage Loan
Promissory Note
1 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324
1• BORROWER'S PROMISE TO PAY
In return for a loan that I have received, I promise to pay
U.S. $100,000.00 (this amount will be called "principal"), plus
interest, to the order of the Lender. The Lender is Linda Sedell.
I understand that the Lender may transfer this Note. The Lender
or anyone who takes this Note by transfer and who is entitled to
receive payments under this Note will be called the "Note Holder."
2. PAYMENTS
There shall be no payment of principal or accrual of
interest until February 1, 2003. Commencing March 1, 2003, and
on the first day of each month thereafter for a period of thirty-
six (36) months, the undersigned shall pay interest only of $500
per month, being interest calculated at 6% per annum. Commencing
on March 1, 2006, the undersigned shall pay principal and
interest calculated at the Wall Street Journal prime rate, plus
1.5% amortized over 15 years, but in no event less than 70
(monthly payments of principal and interest at 7% are $898.83)
The undersigned shall use their best efforts to refinance
this debt on or before August 1, 2006. The undersigned shall
provide lender with written documentation of the same. NOTHING
HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF UNPAID PRINCIPAL AND
ACCRUED INTEREST SHALL BE DUE AND PAYABLE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008.
3. BORROWER'S FAILURE TO PAY AS REQUIRED
(A) Default
If I do not pay the full amount of each monthly payment by
the date stated in Section 2 above, I will be in default. Even
if, at a time when I am in default, the Note Holder does not
require me to pay immediately in full as described below, the Note
Holder will still have the right to do so if I am in default at a
later time.
(B) Notice From Note Holder
If I am in default, the Note Holder may send me a written notice
telling me that if I do not pay the overdue amount by a certain
date the Note Holder may require me to pay immediately the full
amount of principal which has not been paid and all the interest
that I owe on that amount. The date must be at least thirty (30)
days after the date on which the Notice is mailed to me, or, if it
is not mailed, thirty (30) days after the date on which it is
delivered to me.
(C) Payment of Note Holder's Costs and Expenses
If the Note Holder has required me to pay immediately in full
as described above, the Note Holder will have the right to be paid
back for all of its costs and expenses to the extent not
prohibited by applicable law. Those expenses include, for
example, reasonable attorneys' fees.
4. LATE CHARGE FOR OVER DUE PAYMENTS.
If the Note Holder has not received the full amount of any
monthly payment by the end of 15 calendar days after the date it
is due, I will pay a late charge to the Note Holder. The amount
of the charge will be 5% of my overdue payment of principal and
interest. I will pay this late charge promptly but only once on
each late payment.
5. THIS NOTE SECURED BY A MORTGAGE
In addition to the protections given to the Note Holder under
this Note, a Mortgage, dated Protects the
Note Holder from possible losses which might result if I do not
keep the promises which I make in this Note. That Mortgage
describes how and under what conditions I may be required to make
immediate payment in full of all amounts that I owe under this
Note.
6. BORROWER'S PAYMENTS BEFORE THEY ARE DUE
I have the right to make payments of principal at any time
before they are due. A payment of principal only is known as a
"prepayment". When I make a prepayment, I will tell the Note
Holder in a letter that I am doing so. A prepayment of all of the
unpaid principal is known as a "full prepayment". A prepayment of
only part of the unpaid principal is known as a "partial
prepayment".
I may make a full prepayment or a partial prepayment without
paying any penalty. The Note Holder will use all of my
prepayments to reduce the amount of principal that I owe under
this Note. If I make a partial prepayment, there will be no
delays in the due dates or changes in the amounts of my monthly
payments unless the Note Holder agrees in writing to those delays
or changes. I may make a full or partial prepayment at any time.
7. BORROWER'S WAIVERS
I waive my rights to require the Note Holder to do certain
things. Those things are: (A) to demand payment of amounts due
(known as "presentment"); (B) to give notice that amounts due have
not been paid (known as "notice of dishonor"); (C) to obtain an
official certification of nonpayment (known as a "protest").
Anyone else who agrees to keep the promises made in this Note, or
who agrees to make payments to the Note Holder if I fail to keep
my promises under this Note, or who signs this Note to transfer it
to someone else also waives these rights. These persons are known
as "guarantors, sureties and endorsers"
8• GIVING OF NOTICES
Any notice that must be given to me under this Note will be
given by delivering it or by mailing it by certified mail
addressed to me at the Property Address above. A notice will be
delivered or mailed to me at a different address if I give the
Note Holder a notice of my different address.
Any notice that must be given to the Note Holder under this
Note will be given by mailing it by certified mail to the Note
Holder at the address stated in Section 3 above. A notice will be
mailed to the Note Holder at a different address if I am given a
notice of that different address.
9. RESPONSIBILITY OF PERSONS UNDER THIS NOTE
If more than one person signs this Note, each of us is fully
and personally obligated to pay the full amount owed and to keep
all of the promises made in this Note. Any guarantor, surety, or
endorser of this Note (as described in Section 8 above) is also
obligated to do these things. The Note Holder may enforce its
rights under this Note against each of us individually or against
all of us together. This means that any one of us may be required
to pay all of the amounts owed under this Note. Any person who
takes over my rights or obligations under this Note will have all
of my rights and must keep all of my promises made in this Note.
Any person who takes over the rights or obligations of a
guarantor, surety, or endorser of this Note (as described in
Section 8 above) is also obligated to keep all of the promises
made in this Note.
10. COPY RECEIVED
Borrower hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of this
instrument.
11. CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLE AUTHORIZES AND EMPOWERS ANY
ATTORNEY OR THE PROTHONOTARY OR CLERK OF ANY COURT IN THE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, OR ELSEWHERE, TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME
FOR BORROWER AFTER A DEFAULT UNDER THIS NOTE AND WITH OR WITHOUT
COMPLAINT FILED, CONFESS OR ENTER JUDGMENT AGAINST BORROWER FOR
THE ENTIRE PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE AND ALL ACCRUED
INTEREST, LATE CHARGES AND ANY AND ALL AMOUNTS EXPENDED OR
ADVANCED BY LENDER RELATING TO ANY COLLATERAL SECURING THIS NOTE,
TOGETHER WITH COSTS OF SUITE, AND AN ATTORNEY'S COMMISSION OF TEN
PERCENT (100) OF THE UNPAID PRINCIPAL BALANCE AND ACCRUED INTEREST
FOR COLLECTION, BUT IN ANY EVENT NOT LESS THAN FIVE HUNDRED
DOLLARS ($500) ON WHICH JUDGMENT OR JUDGMENTS ONE OR MORE
EXECUTIONS MAY ISSUE IMMEDIATELY; AND FOR SO DOING, THIS NOTE OR A
COPY OF THIS NOTE VERIFIED BY AFFIDAVIT SHALL BE SUFFICIENT
WARRANT. THE AUTHORITY GRANTED IN THIS NOTE TO CONFESS JUDGMENT
AGAINST BORROWER SHALL NOT BE EXHAUSTED BY ANY EXERCISE OF THAT
AUTHORITY, BUT SHALL CONTINUE FROM TIME TO TIME AND AT ALL TIMES
UNTIL PAYMENT IN FULL OF ALL AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THIS NOTE.
BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT BORROWER MAY HAVE TO NOTICE OR TO
A HEARING IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT AND
STATES THAT EITHER A REPRESENTATIVE OF LENDER SPECIFICALLY CALLED
THIS CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT PROVISION TO BORROWER'S ATTENTION OR
BORROWER HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL.
RHOADS & OARS PARTNERSHIP
ti.
Witness: B (Seal)
?3id oads Partner
(Seal)
By: D ae L. oads, Partner
Witn (Seal)
By. Cind oads, Individually
(Seal)
By: Debra L.. , ndividually
f
MAILING ADDRESS:
P. 0. BOX 168
LEMOYNE, PA 17043-0168
E-MAIL: LawAndes*aol.com
? - - - -- - - - - -- -- Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire
10 Eastl3igl-i eef-----
Carlisle, PA 17013
RE: Rhoads/Mowery
Dear Hubert:
7 March 2008
TELEPHONE
(717) 761-5361
FAX
(717) 761-1435
I have not heard from you for two months. Your clients have not made the principal
payments due under the note but have only made interest payments and we do not believe they
have made all of those. Moreover, they have not paid the full balance of principal and interest
by 1 February 2008, as required by the original note. We also have learned that they recently
listed the property for sale.
This letter is directed to your clients, through you, pursuant to Paragraph 3(B) of the
Note, to advise your clients of their default and give them thirty (30) days to cure that default by
paying the full balance of funds due my client under the Note. That will be $100,000.00 in
principal plus interest at the rate of 9 percent after 1 February 2008. If your clients have made
any interest payments after the first of February, we will, of course, give them credit for those
payments.
Please have your clients make this payment through my office no later than thirty (30)
days from the date of this letter.
Sincerely,
le
SAMUEL L. ANDES
ATTORNEY AT LAW
525 NORTH TWELFTH STREET
P. O. BOX 168
LEMOYNE, PENNSYLVANIA 17043
Samuel L. Andes
cc: Ms. Linda Mowery
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Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire
I.D. No. 29943
Trudy E. Fehlinger, Esquire
I.D. No. 202753
MARTSON DEARDORFF WILLIAMS OTTO GILROY & FALLER
MARTSON LAW OFFICES
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-3341
Attorneys for Defendants
LINDA MOWERY, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 2008-2530
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
individually, and CINDY RHOADS and
DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-partners trading
as RHOADS & RHOADS PARTNERSHIP, : CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
Defendants
PETITION TO OPEN OR STRIKE CONFESSED JUDGMENT
AND NOW, come the Defendants, Cindy Rhoads and Debra L. Rhoads, individually, and
as co-partners trading as Rhoads & Rhoads Partnership, by and through their attorneys, MARTSON
DEARDORFF WILLIAMS OTTO GILROY & FALLER, and hereby file the following Petition to
Open or Strike Confessed Judgment, averring as follows:
1. Petitioners are Cindy Rhoads, an adult individual residing at 343 Old State Road,
Gardners, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17324; Debra L. Rhoads, an adult individual residing
at 211 West Pine Street, Mt. Holly Springs, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17065; and Cindy
Rhoads and Debra L. Rhoads, co-partners trading at Rhoads & Rhoads Partnership, having a
principal business address of 1 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17324.
2. Respondent Linda Mowery is an adult individual residing at 1581 Walnut Bottom
Road, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. On August 5, 2002, the parties entered into a Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory
Note for the business located at 1 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17324. A copy of the Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory Note is attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
4. Pursuant to the terms of the Promissory Note, Petitioners were obligated to make
monthly interest-only payments in the amount of $500.00 for a period of three years commencing
March 1, 2003. Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory Note, Paragraph 2.
5. Thereafter, commencing on March 1, 2006, Petitioners were obligated to make
monthly principal and interest payments calculated at the Wall Street Journal prime rate, plus 1.5%
amortized over 15 years, but in no event less than 7%. Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory Note,
Paragraph 2.
6. The Promissory Note further obligated Petitioners to use their best efforts to refinance
the debt on or before August 1, 2006, and to provide Respondent with written documentation of the
same. Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory Note, Paragraph 2.
7. The Promissory Note provided that the entire amount of unpaid principal and interest
were payable on February 1, 2008. Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory Note, Paragraph 2.
8. On March 21, 2008, Respondent filed a Complaint for Confession of Judgment
against Petitioners as a result of Petitioner's failure to pay the entire amount of the unpaid principal
and accrued interest on February 1, 2008.
9. On that same date, Respondent filed a Confession of Judgment against Petitioners
claiming that the principal balance on the Promissory Note is $100,000.00, plus $10,000.00 (10%)
attorney's fees and interest at the rate of 9% per annum.
10. The amount ofthe confessed judgment entered by Respondent includes the following
amounts:
a. Principal
$100,000.00
b. Attorneys fees and costs at 10% per the Note $10,000.00
C. Plus interest on the principal balance, at the rate of nine percent (9%) per
annum, after February 1, 2008
d. Together with interest on the judgment, once entered, at the rate of nine
percent (9%) per annum
e. Plus costs of suit
11. The Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure authorize Petitioners to move to open or
strike the Confession of Judgment. Pa.R.C.P. 2959.
12. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure provide that if the petition states prima
facie grounds for relief, the court shall issue a rule to show cause and may grant a stay of
proceedings. Pa.R.C.P.2959(b).
13. To meet the burden for opening a confession of judgment, petitioner must act
promptly, allege meritorious defense, and provide sufficient evidence to create an issue for
determination by a jury. Crum v. F.L. Shaffer Co., 693 A.2d 984 (Pa. Super. 1997); See also
Germantown v. Sav. Bank v. Talacki, 411 Pa. Super. 513, 657 A.2d 1285 (1995)(court must open
confession of judgment if the petitioner promptly presents evidence on petition to open which, in
jury trial, would require that issue be submitted to jury.)
14. In reviewing a petition to open or strike a confession of judgment, the court should
view the evidence in the light most favorable to the petitioner and accept as true all evidence and
proper inferences which support the defense, while rejecting adverse allegations of the party
obtaining the judgment. F.D.I.C. v. Degllau, 207 F.3d 153 (Pa. 2000).
15. The lien of the judgment shall be preserved while the proceedings to strike off or open
the judgment are pending. Pa.R.C.P. 2959(f).
16. The Confession of Judgment in the instant matter should be opened or stricken
because Respondent included inaccurate and improper amounts in the judgment.
17. Petitioners made interest-only payments of $500.00 per month on the Promissory
Note beginning in March 2003 and continuing through February 2006.
18. Although the Promissory Note called for Petitioners to begin making payments of
interest and principal on March 1, 2006, Petitioners and Respondent reached an oral agreement
whereby Respondent agreed to allow Petitioners to continue making interest-only payments for an
additional year.
19. In accordance with the oral agreement, Petitioners continued making interest-only
payments of $500.00 per month until they were advised by Respondent that they should have been
making interest-only payments in the amount of $750.00 per month due to an increased interest rate.
20. Upon receiving such notice from Respondent, Petitioners increased their monthly
interest-only payments to $750.00 and paid Respondent the $250.00 difference in all previous
interest-only payments back to March 1, 2006.
21. In January, February and April of 2007, Petitioners made interest-only payments of
$750.00 per month.
22. Petitioners further made eleven monthly payments of $1,015.00 of interest and
principal for the months of May 2007 through April 2008, totaling $12,180.00.
23. Petitioners continue to make monthly interest and principal payments of $1,015.00
on the Promissory Note.
24. The Confession of Judgment filed by Respondent does not reflect the payments made
by Petitioners in partial satisfaction of the Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory Note.
25. Petitioners have also made a good faith effort to comply with the additional payment
terms of the Promissory Note, including using their best efforts to refinance the debt and advising
Respondent of same.
26. Petitioners are actively taking steps to sell Twirly Top Restaurant, Inc., the business
that is the basis for the loan in an effort to pay off the Promissory Note.
27. In addition to the inclusion of inaccurate and improper amounts, the Confession of
Judgment should be opened or stricken because the attorneys fees provided for in the Promissory
Note are unreasonable and unconscionable in light of the time, labor and skill involved in securing
the judgment. Philadelphia Acceptance Corp. v. Krapf, 35 Pa. D.&C.3d 101, 105 (Bucks County
1984).
28. The attorney's fee of $10,000.00 or 10% of the principal borrowed that Respondent
seeks to recover is unreasonable and unconscionable considering the amount of time and effort
expended by Respondent's attorney in this case.
29. Counsel for Respondent filed a Complaint for Confession of Judgment and a one page
Confession of Judgment, and has exchanged correspondence with the undersigned counsel.
30. In light of the minimal time, labor and skill involved in securing the judgment against
Petitioners, $10,000.00 or 10% of the original principal borrowed is an unfair, inequitable and
unreasonable commission.
31. No judge has ruled upon any issue in this matter.
32. Counsel for Petitioners certifies that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to
resolve the dispute.
WHEREFORE, Petitioners respectfully request that this Honorable Court issue a stay of the
proceedings in this matter and issue a Rule to Show Cause why the judgment in this matter should
not be opened or stricken.
TSON LAW OFFICES
Date: April 30, 2008
B
Hubert X. Gilroy, squire
Trudy E. Fehlin r, Esquire
I.D. Nos. 299 and 202753
10 East HiRfi Street
Carlisle,15A 17013
(717) 24 -3341
Attorneys for Defendants
4F* nP IV I)Ync,k
0.0 -1-1
THIS IS A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION AND ANY REFERENCE TO ACTS WHICH
APPLY TO RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SHALL BE CONSIDERED NULL AND
VOID.
DATE: August 5, 2002
U.S. $100,000.00
Secondary Mortgage Loan
Promissory Note
1 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324
1. BORROWER'S PROMISE TO PAY
In return for a loan that I have received, I promise to pay
U.S. $100,000.00 (this amount will be called "principal"), plus
interest, to the order of the Lender. The Lender is Linda Sedell.
I understand that the Lender may transfer this Note. The Lender
or anyone who takes this Note by transfer and who is entitled to
receive payments under this Note will be called the "Note Holder."
2. PAYMENTS
There shall be no payment of principal or accrual of
interest until February 1, 2003. Commencing March 1, 2003, and
on the first day of each month thereafter for a period of thirty-
six (36) months, the undersigned shall pay interest only of $500
per month, being interest calculated at 6% per annum. Commencing
on March 1, 2006, the undersigned shall pay principal and
interest calculated at the Wall Street Journal prime rate, plus
1.5% amortized over 15 years, but in no event less than 7%
(monthly payments of principal and interest at 7% are $898.83)
The undersigned shall use their best efforts to refinance
this debt on or before August 1, 2006. The undersigned shall
provide lender with written documentation of the same. NOTHING
HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF UNPAID PRINCIPAL AND
ACCRUED INTEREST SHALL BE DUE AND PAYABLE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008.
3. BORROWER'S FAILURE TO PAY AS REQUIRED
(A) Default
If I do not pay the full amount of each monthly payment by
the date stated in Section 2 above, I will be in default. Even
if, at a time when I am in default, the Note Holder does not
require me to pay immediately in full as described below, the Note
Holder will still have the right to do so if I am in default at a
later time.
(B) Notice From Note Holder
If I am in default, the Note Holder may send me a written notice
telling me that if I do not pay the overdue amount by a certain
date the Note Holder may require me to pay immediately the full
amount of principal which has not been paid and all the interest
that I owe on that amount. The date must be at least thirty (30)
days after the date on which the Notice is mailed to me, or, if it
is nct mailed, thirty (30) days after the date on which it is
delivered to me.
(C) Payment of Note Holder's Costs and Expenses
If the Note Holder has required me to pay immediately in full
as described above, the Note Holder will have the right to be paid
back for all of its costs and expenses to the extent not
prohibited by applicable law. Those expenses include, for
example, reasonable attorneys' fees.
4. LATE CHARGE FOR OVER DUE PAYMENTS.
If the Note Holder has not received the full amount of any
monthly payment by the end of 15 calendar days after the date it
is due, I will pay a late charge to the Note Holder. The amount
of the charge will be 5% of my overdue payment of principal and
interest. I will pay this late charge promptly but only once on
each late payment.
5. THIS NOTE SECURED BY A MORTGAGE
In addition to the protections given to the Note Holder under
this Note, a Mortgage, dated Protects the
Note Holder from possible losses which might result if I do not
keep the promises which I make in this Note. That Mortgage
describes how and under what conditions I may be required to make
immediate payment in full of all amounts that I owe under this
Note.
6. BORROWER'S PAYMENTS BEFORE THEY ARE DUE
I have the right to make payments of principal.. at any time
before they are due. A payment of principal only is known as a
"prepayment". When I make a prepayment, I will tell the Note
Holder in a letter that I am doing so. A prepayment of all of the
unpaid principal is known as a "full prepayment". A prepayment of
only part of the unpaid principal is known as a "partial
prepayment".
I may make a full prepayment or a partial prepayment without
paying any penalty. The Note Holder will use all of my
prepayments to reduce the amount of principal that I owe under
this Note. If I make a partial prepayment, there will be no
delays in the due dates or changes in the amounts of my monthly
payments unless the Note Holder agrees in writing to those delays
or changes. I may make a full or partial prepayment at any time.
7. BORROWER'S WAIVERS
I waive my rights to require the Note Holder to do certain
things. Those things are: (A) to demand payment of amounts due
(known as "presentment"); (B) to give notice that amounts due have
not been paid (known as "notice of dishonor") ; (C) to obtain an
official certification of nonpayment (known as a "protest").
Anyone else who agrees to keep the promises made in this Note, or
who agrees to make payments to the Note Holder if I fail to keep
my promises under this Note, or who signs this Note to transfer it
to someone else also waives these rights. These persons are known
as "guarantors, sureties and endorsers".
8. GIVING OF NOTICES
Any notice that must be given to me under this Note will be
given by delivering it or by mailing it by certified mail
addressed to me at the Property Address above. A notice will be
delivered or mailed to me at a different address if I give the
Note Holder a notice of my different address.
Any notice that must be given to the Note Holder under this
Note will be given by mailing it by certified mail to the Note
Holder at the address stated in Section 3 above. A notice will be
mailed to the Note Holder at a different address if I am given a
notice of that different address.
9. RESPONSIBILITY OF PERSONS UNDER THIS NOTE
If more than one person signs this Note, each of us is fully
and personally obligated to pay the full amount owed and to keep
all of the promises made in this Note. Any guarantor, surety, or
endorser of this Note (as described in Section 8 above) is also
obligated to do these things. The Note Holder may enforce its
rights under this Note against each of us individually or against
all of us together. This means that any one of us may be required
to pay all of the amounts owed under this Note. Any person who
takes over my rights or obligations under this Note will have all
of my rights and must keep all of my promises made in this Note.
Any person who takes over the rights or obligations of a
guarantor, surety, or endorser of this Note (as described in
Section 8 above) is also obligated to keep all of the promises
made in this Note.
10. COPY RECEIVED
Borrower hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of this
instrument.
11. CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLE AUTHORIZES AND EMPOWERS ANY
ATTORNEY OR THE PROTHONOTARY OR CLERK OF ANY COURT IN THE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, OR ELSEWHERE, TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME
FOR BORROWER AFTER A DEFAULT UNDER THIS NOTE AND WITH OR WITHOUT
COMPLAINT FILED, CONFESS OR ENTER JUDGMENT AGAINST BORROWER FOR
THE ENTIRE PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE AND ALL ACCRUED
INTEREST, LATE CHARGES AND ANY AND ALL AMOUNTS EXPENDED OR
ADVANCED BY LENDER RELATING TO ANY COLLATERAL SECURING THIS NOTE,
TOGETHER WITH COSTS OF SUITE, AND AN ATTORNEY'S COMMISSION OF TEN
PERCENT (10%) OF THE UNPAID PRINCIPAL BALANCE AND ACCRUED INTEREST
FOR COLLECTION, BUT IN ANY EVENT NOT LESS THAN FIVE HUNDRED
DOLLARS ($500) ON WHICH JUDGMENT OR JUDGMENTS ONE OR MORE
EXECUTIONS MAY ISSUE IMMEDIATELY; AND FOR SO DOING, THIS NOTE OR A
COPY OF THIS NOTE VERIFIED BY AFFIDAVIT SHALL BE SUFFICIENT
WARRANT. THE AUTHORITY GRANTED IN THIS NOTE TO CONFESS JUDGMENT
AGAINST BORROWER SHALL NOT BE EXHAUSTED BY ANY EXERCISE OF THAT
AUTHORITY, BUT SHALL CONTINUE FROM TIME TO TIME AND AT ALL TIMES
UNTIL PAYMENT IN FULL OF ALL AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THIS NOTE.
BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT BORROWER MAY HAVE TO NOTICE OR TO
A HEARING IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT AND
STATES THAT EITHER A REPRESENTATIVE OF LENDER SPECIFICALLY CALLED
THIS CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT PROVISION TO BORROWER'S ATTENTION OR
BORROWER HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL.
RHOADS &, OARS PARTNERSHIP
?'A?,{?' (Seal)
Witness: B .
(Seal) By:
Witn
(Seal)
ar
1,1L . oads, Partner
J J'j-'e (Seal)
oads, Individually
V - GLt?L
y: Debra L. ndividually
xk?p s
VERIFICATION
The foregoing Complaint is based upon information which has been gathered by
our counsel in the preparation of the lawsuit. The language of the document is that of
counsel and not our own, We have read the document and to the extent that it is based
upon information which we have given to our counsel, it is true and correct to the best of
our knowledge, information and belief. To the extent that the content of the document is
that of counsel, we have relied upon counsel in making this verification.
This statement and verification are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.
Section 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities, which provides that if we
make knowingly false averments, we may be subject to criminal penalties.
Cindy Rh
Debra L. Rhoads
F TILE9iCUr, W12i58 RhmdA124,is I pVJudgmenr,wpd
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Shelly R. Brooks, an authorized agent for Martson Law Offices, hereby certify that a copy
of the foregoing Defendants' Petition to Open or Strike Confessed Judgment was served this date
by depositing same in the Post Office at Carlisle, PA, first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:
Samuel L. Andes
525 North Twelfth Street
P.O. Box 168
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043
MARTSON LAW OFFICES
Bea ?%
Shelly R. Br oks
Ten East gh Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-3341
Dated: April 30, 2008
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MAY 012001
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire
Trudy E. Fehlinger, Esquire
I.D. Nos. 29943 and 202753
MARTSON DEARDORFF WILLIAMS OTTO GILROY & FALLER
MARTSON LAW OFFICES
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-3341
Attorneys for Defendants
LINDA MOWERY, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : NO. 2008-2530
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
individually, and CINDY RHOADS and
DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-partners trading
as RHOADS & RHOADS PARTNERSHIP, : CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
Defendants
RULE TO SHOW CAUSE
AND NOW, this day of ^ , 2008, upon consideration of the foregoing
Petition to Open or Strike Confessed Judgment, it is hereby Ordered that:
(1) a rule is issued upon the Respondent to show cause why the Petitioners are not
entitled to the relief requested;
(2) the Respondent shall file an Answer to the Petition within 4? O days of this date;
(3) the Petition shall be decided under Pa.R.C.P. No. 206.7;
(4) depositions shall be completed within 100 days of this date-
X ?,• 30 .L , rv?
(5) argument shall be held on in Courtroom , 4 of the
Cumberland County Courthouse;
(6) notice of the entry of this Order shall be provided to all,p?ies by the Petitioners; and
(7) all proceedings relating to this matter sbe stayed nding resolution of the
Petition.
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LINDA MOWERY,
Plaintiff
vs.
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L.
RHOADS, individually, and CINDY
RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-
partners trading as RHOADS & RHOADS
P A F TNFR S"IP,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
NO. 2008-2530
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO DEFENDANTS'
PETITION TO OPEN OR STRIKE CONFESSED JUDGMENT
AND NOW comes the above-named Plaintiff, by her attorney, Samuel L. Andes, and
makes the following Answer to Defendant's Petition:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted.
8. Admitted.
9. Admitted.
10. Admitted.
11. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law.
12. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law.
13. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law.
14. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law. By way of further answer, Plaintiff denies that the statements in this
Paragraph reflect a precise or accurate statement of the law.
15. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law.
16. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law. By way of further response, Plaintiff denies that the statements in this
Paragraph reflect an accurate or precise statement of the law.
17. Plaintiff admits that Defendants made payments during that time but denies that all
of the payments were made as due or in every month that the payments were due.
18. Denied. Plaintiff denies there was ever any "oral" agreement between the parties
whereby Petitioner agreed to accept interest only payments from Defendants for an additional
year. Plaintiff admits that the Promissory Note required Defendants to begin making payments
of principal and interest on 1 March 2006 and Plaintiff denies that they made those payments as
required. In fact, the Defendants did not make the payments of even $500.00 during the month
of March and several months thereafter. When Defendants made payments they frequently
asked Plaintiff to hold the checks for a month or more because the checks, when delivered, were
not funded.
19. Denied. Although it is admitted that Defendants only made payments of $500.00, it
is denied that there was any oral agreement between Plaintiff and Defendants which allowed
them to make reduced payments. Plaintiff also denies that Defendants made the payments on
time or on a regular monthly basis. Plaintiff states that she and her attorney advised Defendants
during this time that their payments were to be $750.00 per month, because of the increased
interest rate, and that Defendants did not respond to those demands and failed to make the
payments that were owed at that time. Further, Plaintiff states that Defendants did not
commence the payments of $750.00 per month until December of 2006 and, as a result, they
owed additional interest of $250.00 per month for the months of March 2006 through November
2006, or additional interest in the amount of $2,250.00.
20. Denied. Defendants did not increase their monthly payments to $750.00 per month
until December of 2006. Plaintiff denies that they paid the $250.00 shortfall in interest for the
period between 1 March 2006 and December of 2006. Plaintiff demands proof that Defendants
made those payments.
21. Admitted.
22. It is admitted that Defendants made payments of $1,015.00 per month but it is
denied that they made eleven such payments for a total of $12,180.00 and is further denied that
the payments they made were for intere^t end principal. To the contrary, the additional
payments the Defendants made were properly applied by Plaintiff to the interest and late charges
which the Defendants owed up to that time.
23. Plaintiff has received no payments from Defendant since March of 2008.
24. Denied as stated. Plaintiff's confession of judgment does not reflect the payments
which Defendants claim they have made against the principal balance of the Note because there
were no such payments. The additional payments which Defendants made commencing in May
of 2007 were properly applied to back interest owed at that time and late charges owed at that
time.
25. Denied. To the contrary, Defendants have failed to communicate with Plaintiff and
her attorney regarding the problem, have failed to make payments as due under the Note, have
failed to communicate with Plaintiff or her attorney to make any effort to resolve this matter, and
have failed to take reasonable steps to obtain the financing necessary to pay the full balance of
the debt owed to Plaintiff.
26. Admitted. By way of further answer, however, Defendants' attempts to sell the
restaurant do not satisfy or acquit their responsibility to pay Plaintiff the amount she is owed in
accordance with the Promissory Note.
27. Denied. The attorneys commission is an express term of the agreement between the
parties as secured by the Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory Note. It was a bargained-for
payment which the Defendants agreed to make in the event of their default. As such, it is neither
unreasonable or unconscionable in light of the work that has been done or remains yet to be done
by Plaintiff's attorney to protect Plaintiff's rights.
28. Denied for the reasons set forth in the answer to Paragraph 27 above.
29. Denied. Plaintiff's attorney has worked on this matter for a period of more than two
years and he has devoted to the matter repeated efforts to obtain a response or cooperation from
Defendant and their counsel. Moreover, Plaintiff anticipates significant fees to litigate this case
to a final judgment and collection because of Defendants' demonstrated attempt to avoid the
debt and refusal to cooperate with Plaintiff and her attorney.
30. Denied for the reasons set forth in Paragraphs 27 and 29 above.
31. Admitted.
32. Admitted.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays this court to dismiss Defendants' Petition and confirm the
judgment entered against them by confession so this matter may be concluded and Plaintiff's
rights can be protected.
Samuel L. Andes
Attorney for Plaintiff
Supreme Court ID # 17225
P.O. Box 168
Lemoyne, Pa 17043
(717) 76i-5361
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon counsel for
the Defendant by regular mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Date: 30 May 2008 IAC4-kli
Amy M. rkins
Se etary for Samuel L. Andes
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LINDA MOWERY,
Plaintiff
VS.
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L.
RHOADS, individually, and CINDY
RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-
partners trading as RHOADS & RHOADS
PARTNERSHIP,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
NO. 2008-2530
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO DEFENDANTS'
PETITION TO OPEN OR STRIKE CONFESSED JUDGMENT
AND NOW comes the above-named Plaintiff, by her attorney, Samuel L. Andes, and
makes the following Answer to Defendant's Petition:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted.
8. Admitted.
9. Admitted.
10. Admitted.
11. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law.
12. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law.
13. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law.
14. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law. By way of further answer, Plaintiff denies that the statements in this
Paragraph reflect a precise or accurate statement of the law.
15. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law.
16. No answer is required to the statements made in this Paragraph because they state
conclusions of law. By way of further response, Plaintiff denies that the statements in this
Paragraph reflect an accurate or precise statement of the law.
17. Plaintiff admits that Defendants made payments during that time but denies that all
of the payments were made as due or in every month that the payments were due.
18. Denied. Plaintiff denies there was ever any "oral" agreement between the parties
whereby Petitioner agreed to accept interest only payments from Defendants for an additional
year. Plaintiff admits that the Promissory Note required Defendants to begin making payments
of principal and interest on 1 March 2006 and Plaintiff denies that they made those payments as
required. In fact, the Defendants did not make the payments of even $500.00 during the month
of March and several months thereafter. When Defendants made payments they frequently
asked Plaintiff to hold the checks for a month or more because the checks, when delivered, were
not funded.
19. Denied. Although it is admitted that Defendants only made payments of $500.00, it
is denied that there was any oral agreement between Plaintiff and Defendants which allowed
them to make reduced payments. Plaintiff also denies that Defendants made the payments on
time or on a regular monthly basis. Plaintiff states that she and her attorney advised Defendants
during this time that their payments were to be $750.00 per month, because of the increased
interest rate, and that Defendants did not respond to those demands and failed to make the
payments that were owed at that time. Further, Plaintiff states that Defendants did not
commence the payments of $750.00 per month until December of 2006 and, as a result, they
owed additional interest of $250.00 per month for the months of March 2006 through November
2006, or additional interest in the amount of $2,250.00.
20. Denied. Defendants did not increase their monthly payments to $750.00 per month
until December of 2006. Plaintiff denies that they paid the $250.00 shortfall in interest for the
period between 1 March 2006 and December of 2006. Plaintiff demands proof that Defendants
made those payments.
21. Admitted.
22. It is admitted that Defendants made payments of $1,015.00 per month but it is
denied that they made eleven such payments for a total of $12,180.00 and is further denied that
the payments they made were for interest and principal. To the contrary, the additional
payments the Defendants made were properly applied by Plaintiff to the interest and late charges
which the Defendants owed up to that time.
23. Plaintiff has received no payments from Defendant since March of 2008.
24. Denied as stated. Plaintiff's confession of judgment does not reflect the payments
which Defendants claim they have made against the principal balance of the Note because there
were no such payments. The additional payments which Defendants made commencing in May
of 2007 were properly applied to back interest owed at that time and late charges owed at that
time.
25. Denied. To the contrary, Defendants have failed to communicate with Plaintiff and
her attorney regarding the problem, have failed to make payments as due under the Note, have
failed to communicate with Plaintiff or her attorney to make any effort to resolve this matter, and
have failed to take reasonable steps to obtain the financing necessary to pay the full balance of
the debt owed to Plaintiff.
26. Admitted. By way of further answer, however, Defendants' attempts to sell the
restaurant do not satisfy or acquit their responsibility to pay Plaintiff the amount she is owed in
accordance with the Promissory Note.
27. Denied. The attorneys commission is an express term of the agreement between the
parties as secured by the Secondary Mortgage Loan Promissory Note. It was a bargained-for
payment which the Defendants agreed to make in the event of their default. As such, it is neither
unreasonable or unconscionable in light of the work that has been done or remains yet to be done
by Plaintiff's attorney to protect Plaintiff's rights.
11
28. Denied for the reasons set forth in the answer to Paragraph 27 above.
29. Denied. Plaintiff's attorney has worked on this matter for a period of more than two
years and he has devoted to the matter repeated efforts to obtain a response or cooperation from
Defendant and their counsel. Moreover, Plaintiff anticipates significant fees to litigate this case
to a final judgment and collection because of Defendants' demonstrated attempt to avoid the
debt and refusal to cooperate with Plaintiff and her attorney.
30. Denied for the reasons set forth in Paragraphs 27 and 29 above.
31. Admitted.
32. Admitted.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays this court to dismiss Defendants' Petition and confirm the
judgment entered against them by confession so this matter may be concluded and Plaintiff's
rights can be protected.
Samuel L. Andes
Attorney for Plaintiff
Supreme Court ID # 17225
P.O. Box 168
Lemoyne, Pa 17043
(717) 761-5361
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon counsel for
the Defendant by regular mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
a
Date: 30 May 2008
Amy M. kips
Se etary for Samuel L. Andes
F:\FILES\Cfi=ts\12458 Rhoads\12458.1.orda.coWinuma.wpd
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire
Trudy E. Fehlinger, Esquire
I.D. Nos. 29943 and 202753
MARTSON DEARDORFF WILLIAMS OTTO GILROY & FALLER
MARTSON LAW OFFICES
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-3341
Attorneys for Defendants
LINDA MOWERY,
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS,
individually, and CINDY RHOADS and
DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-partners trading
as RHOADS & RHOADS PARTNERSHIP,
Defendants
NO. 2008-2530
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
ORDER
AND NOW, this Xday of ?Vj? , 2008, upon agreement of counsel for
- 14-
Plaintiff Linda Mowery and counsel fo Defendants Cindy and Debra L. Rhoads, individually and
co-partners trading as Rhoads & Rhoads Partnership, the argument scheduled for Monday, July 21,
2008, at 9:30 a.m., before the Honorable Edward E. Guido, on Defendants' Petition to Open or
Strike Confessed Judgment is hereby continued until such time as a request is made by either counsel
to have the matter rescheduled.
J.
LNrl.f
C? wd V Z- I p Co4Z
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LINDA MOWERY,
Plaintiff
VS.
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L.
RHOADS, individually, and CINDY
RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-
partners trading as RHOADS & RHOADS
PARTNERSHIP,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
NO. 2008-2530
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW this day of JULY 2008, upon the request and concurrence of
both parties, we hereby continue generally the hearing we scheduled for July 21, 2008. The
court will reschedule that hearing upon the request of either party if the parties are not able to
resolve this matter by agreement.
J.
Distribution:
Samuel L. Andes, Esquire (Attorney Plaintiff)
525 North 12th Street, P.O. Box 168, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire (Attorney for Defendants)
10 East High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
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LINDA MOWERY, IN THE COURT OF COMMON
Plaintiff PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs.
CIVIL ACTION—EQUITY
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. NO. 2008-2530
RHOADS, individually, and CINDY
RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, co- MCO
Partners trading as RHOADS&RHOADS CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
CD
PARTNERSHIP,
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Defendants
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PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please withdraw my appearance previously entered on behalf of Plaintiff, Linda
Mowery, in the above captioned action.
4 Avwk, 2z
DATE Sam , quire
525 North Twelfth Street
P.O. Box 168
Lemoyne,PA 17043
Please enter my appearance on behalf of Plaintiff, Linda Mowery, in the above
captioned action.
I I Sid
DATE 6 e squire
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G IE&ASSOCIATES,P.C.
200 North Hanover Street
Carlisle,PA 17013
(717)243-5551
8FAR1.E Thents\12458 Rhoads\12458,1\12459.1.Motion.wvdue
Hubert X Gilroy,Esquire rn CD
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MARTSON DEARDORFF WILLIAMS OTTO GILROY&FALLER _ `7'
MARTSON LAW OFFICES
10 East High Street >C-)
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Carlisle, PA 17013 7>5E
(717)243-3341
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Attorneys for Defendants
LINDA MOWERY, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 2008-2530
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L.RHOADS, CIVIL ACTION-EQUITY
individually, and CINDY RHOADS and
DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-partners trading
as RHOADS & RHOADS PARTNERSHIP, : CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
Defendants
PRIOR JUDGE: The Honorable Edward E. Guido
MQT10 N FQR SCHEDULING OF HEARING TO DETERAUNE AURQUUIE
AMOUNT QF aMfiKMEN1/M0K1GAGE PAYOFF AM HEARING TO RMRMINE
DAMAGES OWING TO DEFENDANTS BY MAMI"PIMUAM To 15 U.S. C.
SECTION 1639 ET SEQ.
Defendants,Cindy Rhoads and Debra L.Rhoads,individually,and as co-partners trading as
Rhoads & Rhoads Partnership, by and through their attorneys, MARTSON LAW OFFICES, sets
forth the following:
1. In August of 2002, as part of a transaction whereby Plaintiff, Linda Mowery,
formerly,Linda Sedell, sold real estate and business assets to Cindy Rhoads and Debra L.Rhoads,
individually and co-partners trading as Rhoads&Rhoads Partnership(Defendants),Defendants gave
Plaintiff a Promissory Note (hereinafter referred to as the "Note")in the original amount of
$100,000.00, and also gave Plaintiff a Mortgage on real estate that was sold to Defendant Rhoads
&Rhoads Partnership located at I Pine Grove Road Gardners,PA 17324(hereinafter referred to as
the"Real Estate").
2. On April 21, 2008 at the above captioned term and number, Plaintiff filed a
Confession of Judgment and a Complaint for Confession of Judgment on the Defendants with
respect to the mentioned Note.
3. On April 30,2008,Defendants filed a Petition to Open and Strike the Confessed
Judgment alleging that the calculation of the amount was incorrect and various other defenses.
4. On May 5,2008,the Honorable Edward E. Guido issued a Rule to Show Cause on
the Plaintiff,directing the Plaintiff to file an Answer to the Petition and scheduled argument on the
Petition.
5. On May 30, 2008, Plaintiff filed an Answer to the Petition to Open or Strike the
Confessed Judgment.
6. By agreement of the parties, The Honorable Edward E. Guido entered an Order on
July 1, 2008, continuing the argument scheduled for July 21, 2008, generally until such time as a
request was made by counsel for either party to have the matter rescheduled.
7. By Order of July 21,2008,The Honorable Edward E.Guido generally continued the
hearing that had been scheduled for July 21, 2008, with the hearing to be rescheduled upon the
request of either party if the parties are unable to resolve the matter by agreement.
8. Except for the above,there were no other filings made of record in this case.
9. After July of 2008,the parties informally exchanged some discovery in connection
with providing information for purposes of appropriately calculating monies owed by Defendants
to Plaintiff. Additionally,Plaintiff took the deposition of Defendant Cindy Rhoads and Defendant
Debra Rhoads on October 27, 2010.
10. The Defendants were continually marketing for sale the Real Estate in the hopes that
the Real Estate would be sold and the monies owed to the Plaintiff would be paid. Defendants
continually made payments on the debt owed to the Plaintiff
11, Plaintiff has not taken any action to enforce the Confession of Judgment for over four
years.
12. In or about February of 2013,Defendants entered into an Agreement of Sale for the
sale of the Real Estate which was subject to the Mortgage and the Judgment Note. Defendants
personally and through legal counsel continuously requested verbally,in writing and via email,that
the Plaintiff provide Defendants with a payoff figure in order to satisfy the Mortgage and Judgment
Note and proceed with the sale of the Real Estate.
IAA�AA
13. Despite repeated requests,Plaintiff refused to provide the Defendants with a payoff
figure in order for Defendants to proceed with the sale of the Real Estate.
14. In an effort to accommodate Plaintiff s concern to insure the Plaintiff was paid the
full amount owing to her,Defendants offered to escrow the entire sum of proceeds of settlement in
the neighborhood of$140,000.00 in return for Plaintiff executing a Mortgage and Judgment release.
Plaintiff adamantly refused to accommodate Defendants' requests and continued to attempt to
torpedo Defendants sale of the Real Estate by refusing to provide a payoff.
15. Defendants aver that Plaintiff deliberately attempted to cause the termination of
Defendants' sale of the Real Estate to the detriment of the Defendants, and this is the reason why
Plaintiff has failed to provide a payoff figure.
16. Defendants proceeded with the sale of the Real Estate on March 14, 2013,with an
agreement with the purchaser of the Real Estate that provided for the proceeds ofthe sale,consisting
of approximately $140,000.00, to be escrowed with Martson Law Offices, in order to insure the
payment of the debt owing to Plaintiff.
17. The Real Estate remains subject to the Mortgage and Judgment of the Plaintiff,and
the new purchaser of the real Estate is unable to proceed with financing of a loan in order to do
improvements on the Real Estate and also currently owns the Real Estate subject to the cloud of title
relating to the mentioned Mortgage and Judgment Note.
18, Despite repeated requests from Defendants' counsel to Plaintiff s counsel, Plaintiff
still refuses to provide a payoff. Additionally,Plaintiff is attempting to assess inappropriate interest
charges and penalty charges in connection with the loan.
19. Plaintiff had an obligation pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 1639 et seq. to provide
Defendants with an accurate payoff balance of the loan within seven(7)days of request,and Plaintiff
has violated her obligations pursuant to said statute.
20. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 1640,Plaintiff is liable for damages sustained by the
defendants as a result of Plaintiff's failure to provide an accurate payoff statement as requested
which damages shall include twice the amount of finance charges in connection with the transaction,
cost of the litigation and reasonable attorney's fees as determined by the Court.
WHEREFORE,Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court schedule a hearing
to determine as follows:
A. The accurate payoff of the Note and Mortgage in question.
B. Damages owing from Plaintiff to Defendants as a result of Plaintiff's actions
as outlined above.
MARTSON LAW OFFICES
sy
Hubert X. roy, Esquire
I.D. No. 29943
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717)243-3341
Date: April , 2013 Attorney for Defendants
LINDA MOWERY, IN THE COURT OF COMMON
Plaintiff PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs. (A�
C=
CIVIL ACTION-EQUITY 0Z
Mr
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. NO. 2008-2530
T3
RHOADS, individually, and CINDY
RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, co- Zn-
Partners trading as RHOADS &RHOADS CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT :x
PARTNERSHIP, C-71
Defendants Prior Judge: Edward E. Guido
PETITION TO SCHEDULE A HEARING
AND NOW comes Petitioner, Linda Mowery, by and through her counsel of
record, Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire, and the law firm of Griffie & Associates, P.C. and
petitions the Court as follows:
1. Petitioner is Linda Mowery, an adult individual currently represented by
Bradley L. Griffie,Esquire, and the law firm of Griffie&Associates, P.C.
of 200 North Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County,Pennsylvania.
2. Respondents are Cindy Rhoads and Debra L. Rhoads, individually and as
co-partners trading as Rhoads and Roads, adult individuals currently
represented by Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire and Martson Law Offices, of 10
East High Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County,Pennsylvania.
3. The instant action was initiated with the filing of a Complaint in
Confession of Judgment on April 21, 2008 by your Petitioner herein.
4. A Petition to Open or Strike confessed Judgment was filed by the above
named Respondents on or about April 30, 2008.
5. Upon the filing of the Petition to Open or Strike Confessed Judgment, a
Rule was entered upon the Petitioner to respond to the Petition and a
hearing on this matter was scheduled for July 21, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. in
Courtroom Number 3 of the Cumberland County Courthouse.
6. Petitioner filed her Answer to the Respondent's Petition to Open or Strike
Confessed Judgment on or about June 2,2008.
7. By agreement of the counsel and the parties, the hearing scheduled for
July 21,2008 was continued generally.
8. Since the filing of the referenced pleadings, the parties have been unable
to resolve the issue of Petitioner receiving payment in full from the
Respondents for the sums due on the Note which forms the basis for the
Confession of Judgment.
9. Respondents have sold the principle parcel of real estate and business at
issue in this matter to a third party purchaser for value.
10. The sale of the real estate and business was done under circumstances
wherein a mortgage encumbrance continues to be open in favor of
Petitioner and the Confession of Judgment action continues to be a lien on
the subject real estate.
11. Petitioner has provided Respondent with a payoff figure to pay the total
sums due and owing on the Note which forms the basis for the Confession
of Judgment,but payment has not been forthcoming.
12. Respondents refuse to pay the sums due to pay the Judgment due in full
and, therefore, the Judgment continues to be a lien on the real estate that
has been sold to a third party purchaser for value and will continue to be a
lien on that property until payment is made in full by the Respondents to
the Petitioner.
13. Petitioner intends to move forward with execution on the Judgment
entered on the Note, but the issue of the Petition to open Judgment must
be resolved before Petitioner can proceed.
14. Respondents continue to be represented by Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire who
has been provided with a copy of this Petition prior to the filing and who
concurs in the request for a hearing to be scheduled in this matter.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests your Honorable Court to schedule a hearing
on the pleadings in this matter.
Respectfully Submitted,
ffie, Esquire
ounsel for Plaintiff
Supreme Court ID No. 34349
GRIME &ASSOCIATES, P.C.
200 North Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717)243-5551
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in the foregoing document are a and correct. I
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 C.S.
Section 4904,relating to unworn falsifications to authorities.
r
l
DATE:
LINDA MOB Y, Pl ff
t
LINDA MOWERY, ) IN THE COURT OF COMMON
Plaintiff ) PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VS. )
CIVIL ACTION—EQUITY
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. ) NO. 2008-2530
RHOADS, individually, and CINDY )
RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, co- )
Partners trading as RHOADS &RHOADS ) CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
PARTNERSHIP,
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire, hereby certify that I did, the day of April.
2013, cause a copy of Plaintiffs Petition to Schedule a Hearing to be served upon
Defendants by serving their attorney of record, Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire, by facsimile
and by first-class mail,postage prepaid at the following address:
Hubert X. Gilroy,Esquire
Martson Law Offices
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Facsimile: (717)243-1850
DATE:
Griffie, Esquire
ey for Plaintiff
S me Court ID No. 34349
GRIFFIE&ASSOCIATES, P.C.
200 North Hanover Street
Carlisle,PA 17013
(717)243-5551
(800)347-5552
F;L.E0-Or;7
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire F PIzOTHIONtOli"�i;�f
I.D. No. 29943
MARTSON DEARDORFF WILLIAMS OTTO GILROY & FALLER 2013 APR 17 PM 3: 26,
MARTSON LAW OFFICES 'NMBE-HLAND COU14TY
10 East High Street PENNSYLVANIA
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-3341
Attorneys for Defendants
LINDA MOWERY, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 2008-2530
CINDY RHOADS and DEBRA L. RHOADS, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
individually, and CINDY RHOADS and
DEBRA L. RHOADS, co-partners trading
as RHOADS & RHOADS PARTNERSHIP, : CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
Defendants
PRIOR JUDGE: The Honorable Edward E. Guido
ORDER
AND NOW,this�y of^y ,7 , 2013, upon consideration of the
attached Motion, it is hereby Ordered and directed as follows:
1. A hearing is scheduled in Courtroom No. 3 of the Cumberland Courthouse on the
2eday of , 2013, at /•W P—. m. at which time
testimony will be taken in connection with the attached Motion of Defendants.
2. In an effort to resolve this matter in an expeditious fashion, a conference in
Chambers is scheduled with legal counsel for the parties in advance of the above
mentioned hearing on the ��)day of 2013, at //'o
A. M.
Edward E. Gudio, J dge
�Distrubition:
✓ �Iubert X. Gilroy, Esquire
/$' uel L. Andes, Esquire
,/Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire
UJ/U1/L.U1J 1:J:U -
1'NN\1 VV11 L."In Vi 1 1vL.,,l
Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire , _ r: ,
ID# 3'134 3 OF HE PROTHO "-TARY
200 North Hanover Street
Carlisle,PA 17013 2 1-3 APR 2S Phi
(717)243-5551
Attorney for Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTS
LINDA MOWERY, PEtVSYI.V ►ti
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA
V.
NO.2008-2530
CINDY RHOADS,DEBRA L.RHOADS CIVIL ACTION-LAW
and RHOADS&RHOADS
PARTNERSHIP,
Defendants
`u PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY;
Please enter my appearance on behalf of the Plaintiff in the above matter.
Please mark the Judgment entered in the above matter as satisfied in full,and mark this
action settled and discontinued.
�Br 3 ;EsgGire
4g
00 N. Hanover Street
Carlisle,PA 17013
(717)243-5551
i