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HomeMy WebLinkAbout14-0645 Supreme Court-of Pennsylvania Cou — C,om Pleas R. 4 -et For Prothonotary Use Only: County Docket No: �sT The information collected on this form is used solely for court administration purposes. This form does not supplement or replace the tlin and service ofpleadings or other pa ers as required by law or rules of court. Commencement. of Action: S El Complaint El Writ of Summons ❑ Petition El Notice of Appeal ❑ Transfer from Another Jurisdiction ❑ Declaration of Taking E C Lea d Plai ntiff's Name Lead Defendant's Name: Brenan STPerva i Michael Scott T [ � -- - f I ❑ Check here if you are a Self- Represented (Pro Se) Litigant Name of Plaintiff /Appellant's Attorney: WIIIIam L. Adler' Are money damages requested? : x❑ Yes ❑ No Dollar Amount Requested: within arbitration limits A (Check one) �_ outside arbitration limits Is this a Class Action Suit? ❑ Yes 0 No Nature of the Case Place an "X" to the left of the ONE case category that most accurately describes your PRIMARY CASE. If you are making more than one type of claim, check the one that you consider most important. TORT (do not include Mass Tort) CONTRACT (do not include Judgments) CIVIL APPEALS ❑ Intentional ❑ Buyer Plaintiff Administrative Agencies ❑ Malicious Prosecution ❑ Debt Collection: Credit Card ❑ Board of Assessment ❑ Motor Vehicle ❑ Debt Collection: Other ❑ Board of Elections ❑ Nuisance~ . _ �__ -� ❑ Dept. of Transportation ❑ Premises Liability ! ❑ Zoning Board S ❑ Product Liability (does not include ❑ Statutory App O E mass tort) ❑ Employment Dispute: r -� I El Discrimination Slander /Libel/ Defamation I C ❑ Other: ❑ Employ Dis pute: Other T - -- Judicial Appeals I - — ❑ MDJ - Landlord /Tenant I 0 Other: ❑ MDJ - Money Judgment O MASS TORT (Rent ❑ Other: ❑ Asbestos N ❑ Tobacco I ❑ Toxic Tort - DES ❑ Toxic Tort - Implant REAL PROPERTY MISCELLANEOUS ❑ Toxic Waste Ejectment ❑ Common Law /Statutory Arbitration ❑ Other: ❑ Eminent Domain /Condemnation ❑ Declaratory Judgment B - � ❑ Ground Rent ❑ Mandamus �9 ❑ Landlord /Tenant Dispute ❑ Non - Domestic Relations ❑ Mortgage Foreclosure Restraining Order PROFESSIONAL LIABLITY ❑ Partition ❑ Quo Warranto ❑ Dental ❑ Quiet Title ❑ Replevin ❑ Legal ❑ Medical E3 Other: ❑ Other: r _ _ _ _____ _ ❑ Other Professional: Pa.R.C.P. 205.5 212010 V 1 `( r0 TPONOJA hY LIT Tlj, William L. Adler, Esquire 5 4949 Devonshire Rd. C UMBERL AND COU Harrisburg, PA 17109 P E " S Y(. VA 1j1A TY q� Phone: 717- 652 -8989 Fax: 717 - 307 -3343 Email: BAL@BillAdlerLaw.com Supreme Court ID: 39844 Brendan S. Perva, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Plaintiff : Cumberland COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW Michael Scott, :NO. 1 - l!t"l S Defendant EJECTMENT N O T I C E YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within Twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you, and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Cumberland County Bar Association 2 Liberty Ave. Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249 -3166 a ?*7 360) u N 0 T I C I A Le han demandado a usted an la corte. Si usted guiere defenderse de estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir de la fecha de la demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe presentar una apariencia escrita o en persona o por abogado y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su persona. Sea avisado gue si usted no se defienda, la corte tomara medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso o notificacion y por cualquier gueja o alivio gue es pedido en la peticion de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted. LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE ABOGADO 0 SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO, VAYA EN PERSONA 0 LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE ENCUNENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR ASISTENCIA LEGAL. Cumberland County Bar Association 2 Liberty Ave. Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249 -3166 Brendan S. Perva, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Plaintiff : Cumberland COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW Michael Scott, : NO. Defendant COMPLAINT COUNT I - EJECTMENT AND NOW COMES the plaintiff, Brendan S. Perva, through his attorney, William L. Adler, and respectfully represents the following: 1. Plaintiff, Brendan S. Perva is an adult individual with an address of 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. 2. Defendant, Michael Scott, is an adult individual with an address of 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. 3. Plaintiff is the owner of 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg PA 17055 (hereinafter, the Property). 4. Plaintiff acquired title to the Property from Thomas and Joseph Carestia, Administrators of the Estate of Laura M. Carestia, by deed dated May 16, 2011 and recorded June 20, 2011 to Instrument Number 201117458, which deed is recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 5. Prior title to the Property is attached hereto as Exhibit A. 6. Defendant has no legal or equitable interest in the property. 7. There are no oral or written agreements between plaintiff and defendant regarding ownership of the Property. 8. Defendant currently occupies part of the Property, and after proper notice to vacate, has refused to vacate the Property. WHEREFORE, plaintiff respectfully requests that plaintiff be granted exclusive possession of the Property. COUNT II - LANDLORD TENANT 9. Paragraphs one through eight are incorporated herein by reference. 10. Plaintiff and defendant had a landlord -tenant relationship. 11. Defendant orally agreed to share all utilities with plaintiff and to pay for half of the mortgage payment that plaintiff made on a monthly basis as rent for defendant's occupancy of the Property. 12. There is no written lease. 13. All agreements were oral regarding the leasing of the premises. 14. Proper notice to vacate the Property was sent and delivered to defendant on October 17, 2013. 15. Defendant as of February 1, 2014 is in arrears on the payment of rent and utilities to plaintiff in the amount of $2,569.94. 16. Repeated demand for payment has been made to defendant who refuses to pay the same. 17. The amount of rent and utilities due from defendant continues to accumulate. WHEREFORE, plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered against defendant in the amount of $2,569.94 together with interest and costs of suit, and that plaintiff be awarded exclusive possession of the Property. William L. Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 Phone: 717- 652 -8989 Fax: 717- 307 -3343 Supreme Court ID: 39844 bal@billadlerlaw.com January 30, 2014 EXHIBIT A CHAIN OF TITLE, 131 Holly Dr., Mechanicsburg PA 17011 Anthony Carestia died 3/23/09, thereby vesting title in Laura Carestia as the surviving tenant by the entireties who died on 8/19/09. Deed dated November 4, 1978 from Teneyck Joseph Hennessey, Jr. And Mary Lou Hennessy to Anthony J. Carestia and Laura M. Carestia recorded in Record Book M, Volume 28, Page 83. Deed dated August 28, 1972 from Raymond D. Williams and Jacqualene A. Williams to Teneyck Joseph Hennessy, Jr. And Mary Lou Hennessy recorded in Record Book T, Volume 24, Page 1069. Deed dated November 13, 1969 from Cleason C. Cromer and Florence A. Cromer to Raymond D. Williams and Jacqualene A. Williams recorded in Record Book L, Volume 23, Page 630. Deed dated May 29, 1969 from Paul T. Shearer and Russell S. Eberly, copartners trading and doing business as Spring Run Acres to Cleason C. Cromer recorded in Record Book G, Volume 23, Page 706. Being part of the same premises which Russell S. Eberly and Helen G. Eberly by deed dated May 7, 1969 and recorded in Deed Book E, Volume 23, Page 1023 granted and conveyed to Paul T. Shearer and Russell S. Eberly, copartners, trading and doing business as Spring Run Acres. Being a part of the same premises which Russell S. Eberly by deed dated May 31, 1952 and recorded in Deed Book A, Volume 15, Page 138 conveyed to Russell S. Eberly and Helen G. Eberly. VERIFICATION I VERIFY THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE IN THE FOREGOING PLEADING ARE TRUE AND CORRECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT FALSE STATEMENTS HEREIN ARE MADE SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES OF 18 Pa.C_S.A. Section 4904 RELATING TO UNSWORN FALSIFICATION TO AUTHORITIES - DATE: wed' �(,rr C• .�°J�,�1„ Teo 2014 FEB , t U � 8 � dd 2" 4 >;r William L.Adler, Esquire it-AND c 4949 Devonshire Rd. Ns YL ,A tiliT y NIA Harrisburg,PA 17109 Phone: 717-652-8989 Fax: 717-307-3343 Email: BALP,BillAdlerLaw.com Supreme Court ID: 39844 Brendan S. Perva, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Plaintiff : Cumberland COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA v. : CIVIL ACTION=LAW Michael Scott, : NO. - ( it£ Defendant : EJECTMENT ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE I accept service of the plaintiff' s complaint in the above matter on be f of Michael Scott and certify that I am authorized ,t o so. Darrell Dethlefs squire 2132 Market St:. Camp Hill,PA 17011 Date: , / /01 is , ` ti t f y J fti t, ^�� ray 2 , FEB 26 PENitiS C/ At l @`I BRENDAN S. PERVA, • IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, • PENNSYLVANIA v. . • MICHAEL SCOTT, : Defendant • NO. 14-645 Civil NOTICE TO PLEAD To: Brendan S. Perva c/o William L. Adler, Esq. 4949 Devonshire Rd Harrisburg, PA 17109 You are notified to file a written response to the attached Answer,New Matter, and Counterclaim within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against you. Respectful .ubmitted, ____ „v....4i.. Date: a a `,Q 1-1 Darrell C. Dethlefs, Esq. Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 975-9446 ddethlefs@aol.com Supreme Court ID No. 58805 BRENDAN S. PERVA, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PLAINTIFF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, : PENNSYLVANIA V. • • MICHAEL SCOTT, DEFENDANT : NO. 14-645 Civil ANSWER COUNT I - EJECTMENT AND NOW COMES the defendant, Michael Scott, through his attorney, Darrell C. Dethlefs, and respectfully represents the following: 1. Admitted. 2. Admitted. 3. Admitted in part and denied in part. Admitted that Plaintiff's name is on the deed for the property located at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, but denied that Plaintiff is the sole'owner. Defendant has an equitable interest in the property because he paid part of the'purchase price, utilities, and half of the mortgage payment to Plaintiff each month. 4. Admitted in part and denied in part. Admitted that Plaintiff's name is on the deed for the property located at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, but denied that Plaintiff is the sole'owner. Defendant has an equitable interest in the property because he paid part of the purchase price, utilities, and half of the mortgage payment to Plaintiff each month. 5. Admitted. 6. Denied. By way of further answer, Defendant has both legal and equitable interests in the property. There were several oral agreements regarding ownership and maintenance of the property, several of which were memorialized in emails between Plaintiff and Defendant. Defendant, as a co-owner, transferred money for all utilities and half of the mortgage payment to Plaintiff each month. 7. Denied. By way of further answer, there were several agreements regarding ownership and maintenance of the property, several of which were memorialized in emails between Plaintiff and Defendant. 8. Admitted'in part and denied in part. Admitted that Defendant currently occupies part of the Property and that Defendant will not vacate the property, but denied that notice to vacate was proper. By way of further answer, there was no landlord-tenant relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant, and a Notice to Vacate was never properly served upon Defendant. WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Michael Scott, respectfully requests judgment in his favor and against Plaintiff with costs, attorney's fees, and any other relief the Court deems just and to dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint. COUNT II—LANDLORD TENANT 9. This is an incorporation paragraph that requires no response. 10. Denied. These allegations constitute conclusions of law to which no response is necessary! By way of further answer, there was no landlord-tenant relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant. 11. Admitted in part and denied in part. Admitted that Defendant orally agreed to share all utilities with Plaintiff and to pay for half of the mortgage payment, but denied that this was rent for Defendant's occupancy of the Property. By way of further answer, there were several oral agreements regarding ownership and maintenance of the property, several of which were memorialized in emails between Plaintiff and Defendant. Defendant, as a co-owner, transferred money for all utilities and half of the mortgage payment tb Plaintiff each month. 12. Admitted.' By way of further answer, there is no written lease because there was no landlord-tenant relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant. 13. Admitted. By way of further answer, several of these agreements were memorialized in emails between Plaintiff and Defendant. 14. Denied. By way of further answer, a Notice to Vacate was never properly served upon Defendant. 15. Denied. These allegations constitute conclusions of law to which no response is necessary. By way of further answer, there was no landlord-tenant relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant, so Plaintiff was never entitled to rent payments from Defendant. 16. Admitted in part and denied in part. Admitted that demand for payment has been made, but denied that Plaintiff is entitled to rent payments from Defendant. 17. Denied. ley way of further answer, there was no landlord-tenant relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant, so Plaintiff was never entitled to rent payments from Defendant. WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Michael Scott, respectfully requests judgment in his favor and against Plaintiff with costs, attorney's fees, and any other relief the Court deems just and to dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint. NEW MATTER 18. Paragraph§ one through seventeen are incorporated herein by reference. 19. Plaintiff's actions are barred by the affirmative defenses of estoppel and fraud. 20. Plaintiff represented to Defendant that they would be purchasing the property located at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 as co-owners, and that Defendant's name would be added to the deed for the property after it was purchased. 21. Defendant relied on these representations to his detriment when he orally agreed to share all utilities with Plaintiff and to pay for half of the mortgage payment, and when he transferred money for all utilities and half of the mortgage payment to Plaintiff each month. 22. Plaintiff now alleges that Defendant has no interest in the property, and has failed to add Defendant's name to the deed for the property as promised. WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Michael Scott, respectfully requests judgment in his favor and against Plaintiff with costs, attorney's fees, and any other relief the Court deems just and to dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint. COUNTERCLAIM COUNT I—EQUITABLE OWNERSHIP 23. Paragraphs one through twenty-two are incorporated herein by reference. 24. Where a transfer of property is made to one person and the purchase price is paid by another, a prima facie case for a resulting trust is established in favor of the party who advanced the purchase price. Grubb v. Delathauer, 274 Pa.Super. 511, 418 A.2d 523 (1980). 25. Defendant advanced $5,000.00 in equity towards the purchase price of$159,900.00, and each party is equally responsible for the mortgage amount of$155,846.00. Defendant has since shared all utilities with Plaintiff and paid for half of the mortgage payment each month. 26. A resulting trust was established in favor of Defendant. 27. In the absence of an agreement to divide the property in some other manner, the beneficiary of a resulting trust is entitled to an interest in such proportion as his contribution bore to the total purchase price. Lewis v. Spitler, 266 Pa.Super. 201, 403 A.2d 994 (1978); McHenry v. Stapleton, et al., 423 Pa. 186, 278 A.2d 892 (1971); Zahorsky v. Leschinsky, 394 Pa. 368, 147 A.2d 362 (1959). 28. Defendant advanced $5,000.00 in equity towards the purchase price of$159,900.00, and each party is equally responsible for the mortgage amount of$155,846.00. Defendant has since shared all utilities with Plaintiff and paid for half of the mortgage payment each month. 29. There was no agreement to divide the property, so Defendant is entitled to a 51.86% interest in the property (((($155,846.00/2)+$5,000.00)/($159,900.00))x100%=51.86%). 30. A constructive trust arises where a person holding title to property is subject to an equitable duty to convey it to another on grounds that he would be unjustly enriched if he were permitted to retain it. Denny v. Cavalieri, 297 Pa.Super. 129, 443 A.2d 333 (1982). 31. Defendant advanced $5,000.00 in equity towards the purchase price of$159,900.00, and each party is equally responsible for the mortgage amount of$155,846.00. Defendant has since shared all utilities with Plaintiff and paid for half of the mortgage payment each month. 32. Plaintiff would be unjustly enriched if he were permitted to retain sole ownership of the property. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that Defendant be awarded a 51.86% interest in the property. COUNT II—DEED REFORMATION 33. Paragraphs one through thirty-two are incorporated herein by reference. 34. Reformation is an equitable remedy and is one of the procedures employed to correct inequities'resulting from accident, mistake, and fraud. See Bispham's Principles of Equity (7th Ed.),P. 45. 35. A party seeking reformation on the basis of unilateral mistake may be granted relief if the party against whom reformation is sought has such knowledge of the mistake as to justify an inference of fraud or bad faith. Line Lexington Lumber &Millwork Co. v. Pennsylvania Publishing Corp., 451 Pa. 154, 301 A.2d 684 (1973). 36. Plaintiff represented to Defendant that they would be purchasing the property located at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 as co-owners, and that Defendant's name would be added to the deed for the property after it was purchased. 37. Defendant relied on these representations to his detriment when he orally agreed to share all utilities with Plaintiff and to pay for half of the mortgage payment, and when he transferred money for all utilities and half of the mortgage payment to Plaintiff each month. 38. Plaintiff now alleges that Defendant has no interest in the property, and has failed to add Defendant's name to the deed for the property as promised. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that the deed for the property located at 131 Holly Drive,Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, be reformed to include his name as a co-owner. . . Respectfull, bmitted, Date: 9 o)I I L1 -0 ...,. 1 Darrell C. Dethlefs, Esq. Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 975-9446 ddethlefs @aol.com Supreme Court ID No. 58805 Certificate of Service I, Derrell C. Dethlefs, Esq., the undersigned, hereby certify that on a I a LP , a true and correct copy of the Answer, New Matter, and Counterclaim were served on t e following: Brendan S. Perva c/o William L. Adler, Esq. 4949 Devonshire Rd Harrisburg, PA 17109 BY: A ......___. ,,----tio. Date: O9 ()Le 1 I II Darrell C. Dethlefs, Esq. Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 975-9446 ddethlefs @aol.com Supreme Court ID No. 58805 Verification I verify that the statements made in the Answer with New Matter are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities and can be punishable by fine or imprisonment. -Z7/4 Date Michael Scott SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY Ronny R Anderson ' Sheriff t Jody S Smith ,� Chief Deputy 2 . Richard W Stewart Solicitor , � � ' j *` Y � PEHNSYLVAHIA Brendan S Perva vs. Case Number Michael Scott 2014-645 SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE 02/20/2014 03:58 PM- Deputy Stephen Bender, being duly sworn according to law, served the requested Complaint in Ejectment by"personally" handing a true copy to a person representing themselves to be the Defendant, to wit: Michael Scott at 131 Holly Drive, Upper Allen, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. STEPHEN BENDER, DEPUTY SHERIFF COST: $43.79 SO ANSWERS, February 24, 2014 RONIV ANDERSON, SHERIFF William L. Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17109 Phone: 717- 652 -8989 Fax: 717- 307 -3343 Email: BAL @BillAdlerLaw.com Supreme Court ID: 39844 Brendan S. Perva, Plaintiff v. Michael Scott, Defendant 6141 �",? 20 P I. 1 9 PENJy� Y� A NIA y : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : Cumberland COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : CIVIL ACTION - LAW : NO. 14 -645 Civil : EJECTMENT REPLY TO NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM AND COUNTER -REPLY AS NEW MATTER AND NOW COMES the plaintiff, Brendan S. Perva, through his attorney, William Adler, and respectfully represents the following: 18. Denied. 19. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleadings required. 20. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that when the plaintiff and defendant started talking about purchasing the property, that they discussed ownership as co- owners. Upon identifying a property and applying for a mortgage, it became evident that due to the defendant's poor credit history, they could not qualify for a mortgage with the defendant being on the deed. Both parties mutually agreed that only plaintiff would be on the title. 21. Denied. Plaintiff is unaware as to what defendant relied upon in making monthly payments. Once it was determined that defendant was not credit worthy to purchase the property, the arrangement became a rental arrangement whereby defendant would pay half the mortgage payment plus half of all utilities to plaintiff in return for occupying part of the Property. 22. Admitted in part and denied in part. Defendant has no interest in the Property. Plaintiff never agreed to add defendant's name to the property. Furthermore, adding defendant's name to the deed would be deemed a transfer and a technical default under the mortgage. 23. Denied. 24. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleadings required 25. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that defendant gave plaintiff $5000 towards the purchase of the property. It is denied that this was in exchange for any equity in the property. Defendant has paid half the expenses of the property in return for the privilege of living in the property. Defendant has no legal responsibility to pay the mortgage because defendant is not on the note. Defendant's only obligation is to pay rent to plaintiff. 26. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. 27. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. By way of further answer thereto the only writing in this matter is a gift letter signed by the defendant which acknowledges that the $5000 was a gift to plaintiff. Furthermore, the statute of frauds prevents defendant from making a claim to this property in that there is no writing evidencing any agreement to give any interest in this property to the defendant. 28. Admitted in part and denied in part. Defendant has not made a full payment to Plaintiff since August of 2013. This was considered rent by the plaintiff. The $5,000 was a gift. 29. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. 30. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. 31. Denied. Defendant acknowledged in writing that the $5000 was a gift and not a contribution towards equity. See prior responses. 32. Denied. Defendant acknowledged in writing that the $5000 was a gift and not a contribution towards equity. In addition, plaintiff has put approximately $30,000 in capital investment into the house and believes that if it was sold today it would be a loss. 33. Denied. 34. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. 35. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. 36. Denied. See response to paragraph 20. 37. Denied. Plaintiff is unaware as to what defendant relied upon. 38. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff has not added defendant to the deed. Plaintiff never promised to do so. Defendant has no interest in the property. WHEREFORE, plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered against defendant in the amount of $2,569.94 together with accumulating rental and utility payments due from defendant, interest and costs of suit, and that plaintiff be awarded exclusive possession of the Property. COUNTER- REPLY/NEW MATTER 39. Paragraphs one through 38 are incorporated herein by reference. 40. Defendant's claims are barred by the statute of frauds. 41. Defendant's claims are barred by the doctrine of estoppel, laches, and accord and satisfaction. WHEREFORE, plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered against defendant in the amount of $2,569.94 together with accumulating rental and utility payments due from defendant, interest and costs of suit, and that plaintiff be awarded exclusive possession of the Property. William L. Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 Phone: 717- 652 -8989 Fax: 717- 307 -3343 Supreme Court ID: 39844 bal @billadlerlaw.com March 18, 2014 VERIFICATION I VERIFY THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE IN THE FOREGOING PLEADING ARE TRUE AND CORRECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT FALSE STATEMENTS HEREIN ARE MADE SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES OF 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 4904 RELATING TO UNSWORN FALSIFICATION TO AUTHORITIES. DA1E: CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, William L. Adler, Esquire, Attorney Plaintiff, hereby certify on March 18, 2014, I served a copy of the within reply to new matter and counterclaim upon the following person by first class mail, postage prepaid addressed as follows: Darrell Dethlefs 2132 Market St. Camp Hill, PA 17011 William L. Adler, Esquire BRENDAN S. PERVA, PLAINTIFF V. L t HE PRO +014tlR25 PH 4: ; CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNS 'LVANIA : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, : PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL SCOTT, DEFENDANT : NO. 14 -645 Civil COUNTER -REPLY AND NOW COMES the Defendant, Michael Scott, through his attorney, Darrell C. Dethlefs, and respectfully represents the following: 1. Paragraphs one through 38 are incorporated herein by reference. 2. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. 3. Denied. This is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Michael Scott, respectfully requests judgment in his favor and against Plaintiff with costs, attorney's fees, and any other relief the Court deems just and to dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint. Respectful) submitted, Darrell C. Dethlefs, Esq. Dethlefs - Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 975 -9446 ddethlefs@aol.com Supreme Court ID No. 58805 Certificate of Service I, Derrell C. Dethlefs, Esq., the undersigned, hereby certify that on true and correct copy of the Counter-reply was served on the following: William L. Adler, Esq. 4949 Devonshire Rd Harrisburg, PA 17109 BY: Darrell C. Dethlefs, Esq. Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 975-9446 ddethlefs@aol.com Supreme Court ID No. 58805 Verification I verify that the statements made in the Counter -reply are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities and can be punishable by fine or imprisonment. .3/7Z;// y Date Michael Scott PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR NON JURY TRIAL (Must be typewritten and submitted in triplicate) TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY Please list the following case for a TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY. CAPTION OF CASE jentire caption must be stated in full' Brendan S. Perva Michael Scott (Plaintiff) vs. (Defendant) VS. (check one) (1 Civil Action — Law 11 Appeal from arbitration (other) No. 14-645 Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecipe: William L. Adler, Esg., 4949 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 Civil Term Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known: Darrell Dethlefs 2132 Market St. Camp Hill, PA 17011 This case is ready for trial. Date: May 29, 2014 Signed: Print Name: Wiliam L. Adler. Esq., 4949 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg. PA 17109 Attorney for: Plaintiff 40,61.15 Fob c-11 i`1sa 0138759 BRENDAN S. PERVA, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA vs. MICHAEL SCOTT, Defendant : CIVIL ACTION — LAW : NO. 14-645 CIVIL IN RE: NONJURY TRIAL ORDER AND NOW, this 6 day of June, 2014, a pretrial conference in the above matter is set for Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 10:15 a.m. in Chambers of the undersigned. BY THE COURT, William L. Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 For the Plaintiff ✓Darrell Dethlefs, Esquire 2132 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011 Court Administrator — piktgri :rim / ecp i E s 1't _L€L144P - 4 AL Kevi A. Hess, P.J. ( U►PENNSAYLVAN AND COUNT', BRENDAN S. PERVA, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. MICHAEL SCOTT, Defendant NO. 14-645 Civil STATEMENT OF OBJECTIONS 1. This real property dispute was first addressed by Magisterial District Judge 09-3-05, Judge Mark Martin,when Judge Martin dismissed the case without prejudice on December 19, 2013. 2. Plaintiffs Complaint was filed in Cumberland County at Docket No. 14-645 on January 30, 2014. 3. Defendant's attorney, Darrell C. Dethlefs, Esq., accepted service of the complaint on February 17, 2014. 4. Defendant filed his Answer,New Matter and Counterclaim on February 26, 2014. 5. Plaintiff's Reply with New Matter was filed on March 18, 2014. 6. Defendant filed his Counter-Reply on March 25, 2014. 7. Plaintiff served Defendant with Interrogatories and a Request for Production of Documents on April 7, 2014. 8. Defendant responded to Plaintiff's discovery requests and served Plaintiff with Interrogatories, Requests for Admissions, and Requests for Production of Documents, on May 7, 2014. 9. Plaintiff responded to Defendant's discovery requests on May 20,2014. 10. Plaintiff filed a Praecipe for Listing Case for Non Jury Trial on May 29, 2014 (attached hereto as Exhibit A). 11. The Honorable Kevin A. Hess, in an Order dated June 6, 2014, scheduled the matter for a pretrial conference on June 25, 2014 (attached hereto as Exhibit B). 12. Defendant objects to Plaintiff's Praecipe and the Order scheduling a pretrial conference because he intends to schedule depositions of Plaintiff, Alice Perva, and Bradley Perva, in response to Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Interrogatories (attached hereto as Exhibit C). 13. The case will be ready for listing following the scheduling and taking of these depositions. Respect ly s . e Date: / � � (LI Vi Darrell ethlefs, Esq. Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 975-9446 ddethlefs@aol.com Supreme Court ID No. 58805 PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR NON JURY TRIAL (Must be typewritten and submitted in triplicate) TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY Please list the following case for a TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPTION OF CASE jentire caption must be stated in fulll (check one) Civil Action —Law ❑ Appeal from arbitration Brendan S. Perva (other) (Plaintiff) No. 14-645 Civil Term vs. Michael Scott (Defendant) V5. Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecipe: William L. Adler, Esq., 4949 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known: Darrell Dethlefs 2132 Market St. Camp Hill, PA 17011 This case is ready for trial. Signed: Print Name: Date: May 29, 2014 Attorney for: Plaintiff BRENDAN S. PERVA, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA vs. CIVIL ACTION—LAW NO. 14-645 CIVIL MICHAEL SCOTT, Defendant IN RE: NONJURY TRIAL ORDER AND NOW, this (• day of June, 2014, a pretrial conference in the above matter is set for Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 10:15 a.m. in Chambers of the undersigned. BY THE COURT, ' f 4 j6L- ' ]Kevi A. Hess, P.J. William L. Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 For the Plaintiff Darrell Dethlefs, Esquire 2132 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011 Court Administrator :rlm -- n-t c� Z ,.j �;= - -< { ,� BRENDAN S. PERVA, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. MICHAEL SCOTT. Defendant NO. 14-645 Civil Plaintiff's answers to INTERROGATORIES ADDRESSED TO PLAINTIFF—FIRST SCT TO: Plaintiff, Attn: William L. Adler, Esq. 4949 Devonshire Rd Harrisburg, PA 17109 Defendant, Michael Scott, by and through his undersigned counsel, hereby serves the following Interrogatories Addressed to Plaintiff— First Set on Plaintiff, Brendan S. Perva,which require written responses within thirty (30)days in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. DEFINITIONS l. "Plaintiff' shall mean Plaintiff, Brendan S. Perva,and shall include, where applicable, Plaintiffs employees, agents,attorneys, representatives or any other persons or entities acting or purporting to act in concert with or on Plaintiffs behalf. 2. "Defendant"shall mean Defendant, Michael Scott,and shall include, where applicable, Defendant's employees, agents,attorneys,representatives or any other persons or entities acting or purporting to act in concert with or on Defendant's behalf. 3. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms"you,""your,"and"yours,"as used herein, mean Plaintiff,each person acting or authorized to act on his behalf, including but not limited to his agents,employees,contractors, representatives,experts or his respective attorneys in this litigation. 4. "Document"shall mean the original and each non-identical copy(whether different from the original because of notes,additions,changes,or deletions made on the copy or otherwise ,or draft of each writing of every kind and description(together with all worksheets,supporting documents,and other relevant material),whether inscribed by hand or mechanical,electronic,microfilm,photographic,or other means(such as recording,film,tape,videotape,disc,diskette,or other means including data processing files and other computer readable records or programs and all other data compilations from whit information can be obtained,transcribed,and translated). Document shall also include, but not be limited to, internet tvebsites,blogs, Facebook.com,Twitter.com, Myspace.com,correspondence, letters,electronic mail,telegrams, messages,telephone logs,diaries,teletype messages,memoranda,notes,reports, printouts,records,or minutes of meetings,conferences,or telephone or other conversations or communications, appointment calendars,contracts,contract addenda,amendments, changes,and modifications. 5. "Person"or"persons'means all natural persons,corporations, partnerships or other business associations,and all other legal entities, including all members,officers, employees,agents, representatives,attorneys,successors, predecessors,assigns, divisions;affiliates, and subsidiaries. 6. "Relatin&"(including any variant thereof), includes referring to,alluding to, responding to,concerning, in connection with,commenting on or in respect of, analyzing;touching upon,and constituting the being,and is not limited to contemporaneous events,actions,communications or documents. 7. The term`"communications,"as used herein,means all statements,admissions,denials, inquiries,'discussions,conversations, negotiations,agreements,contracts(whether written or oral),understandings, meetings,telephone conversations, letters,correspondence, notes,faxes,electronic mail, voicemail messages,telegrams,telexes,advertisements, or any otherform of written or verbal intercourse. 8. "Identify,"when used in reference to a natural person,means to state his or her name, present or last known address and telephone number,present or last known employer and his or her employer's address,and position or job title at time of employment. 9. "Identify"when used in all other contexts than those described above means to describe in detail with particularity and specificity. 10."Identify"or"identification"shall mean,when used in reference to any document, to: a. state the type of document(e.g., letter,email, memorandum,fax,etc.); b. sthte its date; c. state its title,if any; d. describe its general subject matter and contents; e. identify the present location(s)and custodian(s)of the original and all known copies of said document; f. identify its author or originator; g. if-the document is no longer in your possession, identify its last known custodian, describe the circumstances under which it passed from your control to that person, and.identify each person having knowledge of such circumstances and/or the present location of the document;and/or h. in lieu of identifying the document in the manner set forth above, attach a copy of the document in question to your response to these interrogatories. I I.The conjunctions"and"and"or"shall be interpreted to mean"and/or,"and shall not be interpreted to exclude any information otherwise within the scope of any request. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. The Discovery Requests are to be answered in writing,verified, and served upon the undersigned within 30 days of their service on you. 2. To the extent any Discovery Request is objected to,set forth all reasons therefore. If you claim privilege as a ground for not answering or responding to any request in whole or in part,describe the factual basis for your claitn of privilege in sufficient detail to permit the court to adjudicate the validity of the claim. If you object in part to any request,answer the remainder completely. 3. These requests shall be deemed continuing and require additional responses if further information is obtained between the time the answers are served and the time of trial. Such additional responses shall be served from time to time,but not later than 30 days after such-additional information is received. 4. If you assert a privilege, work product immunity, or decline to provide an answer on the basis of some other objection: a. identify or describe the document or communication in question; b. describe the basis for the asserted privilege and objection; c. identify every person to whom the document was sent, or every person present when the communication was made; d. identify the present custodian of the document, if any. 5. Where an interrogatory does not specifically request a particular fact, but where such fact or facts ate,necessary to make the answer to the interrogatory either comprehensible,or complete,or not misleading, you are requested to include such fact or facts as part of the answer,and the interrogatory shall be deemed to specifically request such fact or facts. G. If, in ansd ering any Discovery Request,you encounter any ambiguity in a question, instruction;;or definition,set forth the matter deemed ambiguous and interpretation you used in the,answering. 7. The singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular. 8. A masculine, feminine or neuter pronoun shall not exclude the other genders. INTERROGATORIES 1. Identify the person(s)answering or supplying information in answer to these interrogatories. Brendan Perva 2. State with particularity the factual basis for each claim or defense you are asserting in this case. See complaint 3. Identify each person who has knowledge of the facts concerning each claim or defense you are asserting in this case. Myself,Alice Perva, Bradley Perva 4. List all sums paid by Defendant towards 131 Holly Drive,Mechanicsburg,PA(the Property). . Defendant has made no payments towards the property. Defendant has paid Plaintiff for the privilege of living in the Plaintiff's home. 5. Did Defendant provide you with$5,000.00 to be used as a down payment for the purchase of the property? Defendant provided me with a gift,which he clearly stated that required no re-payment,or assumption of any equity in my home. 6. How was this$5,000.00 paid? Money transfer 7. How long has Plaintiff resided in the Property? Since June 2011 8. What is the,total square footage of the Property? 1814 square feet 9. How many square feet of the Property does Plaintiff occupy? 530 square feet 10. How many square feet of the Property does Defendant occupy? 1300 square feet 11. Are there any signed agreements between Plaintiff and Defendant regarding the Property? If so, please provide them pursuant to the request for production of documents. There are no written agreements between the Plaintiff and defendant. 12. What does Plaintiff believe the fair market value of the Property to be as of the time of answering these interrogatories? On what is this based? $175,000,appraisal provided by realtor in September 2013. This appraisal was also based on the Plaintiff making approximately$10,000 in additional repairs to the property prior to listing. 13.if you know of the existence of any photographs, motion pictures,video recordings, maps,diagrams,or models relevant to the case,state: a. The nature or type of such item; none b. The date when such item was made; c. Tile identity of the person that prepared or made each item; and d. Tlie subject that each item represents or portrays. 14. If you, or someone not an expert subject to Pa. R.C.P. 4003.5, conducted any investigations of the case, identify: none a. Each person, and the employer of each person,who conducted any investigation(s);and b. Ah notes,reports or other documents prepared during or as a result of the investigation(s)and the persons who have custody thereof. 15. Identify each person you intent to call as a non-expert witness at the trial of this case,and for each person identified state your relationship with the witness and the substance of the facts to which the witness is expected to testify. a. Alice Perva, mother of both the Plaintiff and Defendant. She will testify regarding discussions she witnessed between the Plaintiff and Defendant. She will also testify in regards to the financial and physical work put into the Property. b. Bradley Perva, brother of both the Plaintiff and Defendant. He will testify regarding discussions he witnessed between the Plaintiff and Defendant. He will also testify in regards to the financial and physical work put into the Property. 16. Identify each expert you intend to call as a witness at the trial of this matter,and for each expert state: a. The subject matter about which the expert is expected to testify; and none b. The substance of the facts and opinions to which the expert is expected to testify and a summary of the grounds for each opinion. 17. Identify all exhibits that you.intend to use at(lie trial of this matter. See response to request for production of documents. Plaintiff will present all bills paid and settlement documents. 18. If you intend to use any admission(s)of a party at trial, identify such admission(s). Written admission that$5,000 was a gift to plaintiff. 19. I f any Lan'djord's live, ten or thirty days' notice were served within one year prior to the filing of tliis matter please state the following and attach a copy of the original of each and every one of said notices(both the fronts and backs (hereof) to your answers to these interrogatories and as to each of said notices,please state: a. Was a particular notice a 5-day, 10-day or 30-day notice? a. Two separate 30 day notices were served to the Defendant. b. Who served the notice on behalf of plaintiff? b. I served both notices,the first via email,the second via regular mail and by physically handing it to the defendant. C. Wbo received the notice on behalf of Defendant and where was it served? C. The defendant received both notices at the Property. d. Ori what day and at what time was the notice served? d. The first was served on 9-24-13. The second was served on 10-18-13 via mail and 10-21-13 when I handed him a copy. e. 1-lave you attached a copy of the notices to your Answers to their Interrogatory? yes Respe fully •ubrnitted, Date: q( l ( l Da . Dethlefs, Esq. Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St,Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717)975-9446 ddettilefs@aol.com aol.com Supreme Court ID No.58805 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Darrell C. Dethlefs, Esquire,the undersigned,hereby certify that on May I,2014,a true and correct copy of the Interrogatories Addressed to Plaintiff—First Set was sensed on the fol lowing: William L. Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Rd Harrisburg, PA 17109 BY: Darrell C. Dethlefs,Esq. Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St,Camp Hill,PA 17011 (717) 975-9446 ddethlefs@aol.com Supreme Court ID No. 58805 11/15/2013 16:18 7179752309 DETHLEFS PYKOSH LAW PAGE 01/02 DETHF,FFS-PYKOSH LAW GROUP, LLC Darrell C.Dethiefs* Le a,� l Staff Michael J.Fykosh l 2132 Maxket Street Sherry L.Deckman Bryan'N.Shook Camp Hill,PA.17011 Crystal L.Mahoney Heather N.Orlsko Phone: (717)975-9446 Melissa C.Foreman Charles J.Hartwell Toll Free:(300)287-1202 Kathryn S.Fogle Richard D.Hollingworth,Jr. Fax: (717)975-2309 Matthew R.Seeley E-mail: ddethlel's@aol.cona Nicole L.Javitt www.dplglaw.com "Licensed PA Tifie Agent November 15,2013 VIA EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL William L.Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 RE: My Client: Michael Scott Your Client: Brendan Perva F Dear Mr.Adler: Please be advised-that my office has been retained to represent Iver. Scott in his property dispute with his brother, Brendan. It is my understanding that you represent Brendan. I have received your October 17,2013 letter. Your letter indicates that my client is a tenant with a month-to-month tenancy. That is not correct. is Your client and niy client entered into an agreement to purchase the property at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, as partners. As a partner, my client provided the down payment money for the purchase of the property. Additionally, each month,your client would provide my client with an email wherein he would set out what the expenses were for the month,which included mortgage, PP&L, water and other utilities. My client would {ay half the mortgage and half the utilities. I have these emails from your client to my client documenting the monthly request for the mortgage payment and we have documentation of the subsequent transfer of the mortgage payment plus utilities to your client, My client was to tie on the Deed for the purchase. Then, the mortgage broker talked my client into not having his name on the Deed, in essence being a silent partner because it was easier to obtain J 138 East Market Street,3`d Floor 550 Cleveland Avenue,Suite 204 York,PA.17401 A Debt Relief Agency Chambersburg,PA 17201 The Dethlefs-Pykosh Lmv Group, LLC— "Your Full Service Law Firm" 11/15/2013 16:18 7179752309 DETHLEFS PYKOSH LAW PAGE 02/02 financing without my client being on the Deed. Nevertheless, Mr. Scott contributed substantial capital towards the purchase of the property arid, likewise, contributed capital for the monthly mortgage payment, payment of utilities and for the renovations of the property. Therefore, Mr. Scott will not vacate the property. If your client proceeds with an eviction action, my client will file suit for recovery of the down payment, seeking recovery of the many thousands of dollars that he has documented that represent his contributions to the repairs of the property. My client proposes that the parties enter Into negotiations through our offices to have one party buy the other party out of the property. If your client is interested in discussing buying my client out of the property, please advise and I will set forth a demand wOich includes documentation of his capital contributions to the purchase and repair of the property. If your client wishes to be bought out of the property by my client, please advise and set forth your client's'proposal to be bought out of the property by my client. While the parties negotiate on the buyout of the other partner, they should be able to co-exist in the property peaceably. I await your response. Very truly you i Darrell C.Dethlefs. r DCD:sId cc: Michael Scott i WILLIAtM L. ADLER ATTORNEY AT LAW -1949 Devonshire Road HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17109 MONK (717) 65XS989 FAT (71 7) 307-3343 H'IM Vl_: 13 \I.rii?13iIlAdlerLa�y.com WE13SITF: BillAdlerl.axy.com I_II"N h AM IR OJ IHN.V,I)Aul Ek D"W S Fault\ F.0 I' ADIAR R AI U11, W;);111 Agri k R UXI-.R& UHIR R i-k\IG I ADITR October 17. 2013 Adr. Michael Scott 131 (lolly Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA 17053 Re: Tenancy at 131 [-lolly Drive. h)Icchanicsburg, PA Mr. Scutt: I have been retahwd by yow half-brother BrendaIl to help him regain exclusive possession of his property at 131 Holly Drive.Mechanicsburg, PA- YOU have been rniding thereon a month-to-month tenancy forsorne tinle. It is his wish that you voluntarily vacate the property within the next 30 days, removing all your belongings along with yourself. This N a difficult action Or hull to take, but he has determined that it N required for his own peace of mind. If you have any concern for him, you %viii voluntarily remove yourself and your belongings loin the premises within the next:30 days. If not, this shall serve as your 30 day notice to vacate the premises. At the end ofthat 30 days I have been instructed to file an action at the local district justice for possession ofthc property. You currently owe a little over$200 in rent for unpaid utilities, and this would be included in the action for possession along Wth any other charges such as the cost of filing the action and any, rent that may remain unpaid. He regrets that he has to We this action. but icels that it is necessary. Your anticipated cooperation would be greatly appreciated. Thant: you. THIS IS AN ATfEN-IPTTO COLLECT A DI-.BT AND ANY INFORNfATION O13TAINF.D WII1 lit. L SFI) FOR THAT PURPOSE. Very truly yours, William I.. Adler WI.A Grrtizil -30 Day Notification https://rr-li1.google.corrVm-iil/u/0!?tu=2&ik--8d4Od65980&view=pt&sear. G f#4aj0 ' dperva . <dperva@gmail.com> "i;.,Osk 30 Day Notification dperva@gmail.com<d perva@g mail.com> Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 7:29 AM To: michaeltimothyscott@gmail.com, piles5@aol.com Michael Scott, I am hereby notifying you that you have 30 days to vacate the property at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055. As no written lease exists, a 30 day notice is required by Pennsylvania law. You must remove all of your belongings no later than Friday, October 25th, 2013. Thank you, Brendan Perva I of 1 5/20/2014 8:23 Al VERIFICATION Answers to Interrogatories I VERIFY THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE IN THE FOREGOING PLEADING ARE TRUE AND CORRECT.I UNDERSTAND THAT FALSE STATEMENTS HEREIN ARE MADE SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES OF 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 4904 RELATING TO UNSWORN FALSIFICATION TO AUTHORITIES. DATE:—3 ��— CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 1,William L.Adler,Esquire,Attorney for Plaintiff,hereby certify on May 20,2014,1 served a copy of the within plaintiffs answers to interrogatories upon the following person via email at the following email address Dethlefs, Darrell 2132 Market St. Camp Hill, PA 17011 E-mail: ddethlefs@aol.com Zfltie��.�. aol�z William L. Adler, Esquire BRENDAN S. PERVA, : IN T1IE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF Plaintiff . CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA vs. : CIVIL ACTION — LAW : NO. 14-645 CIVIL MICHAEL SCOTT, Defendant • IN RE: PRETRIAL CONFERENCE ORDER AND NOW, this 25' day of June, 2014, the parties being satisfied that the depositions of the plaintiff's witnesses will be completed by the time of trial, nonjury trial in this case is set for Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom Number 4, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA. BY THE COURT,I Kevi A. Hess, P.J. `� William L. Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 For the Plaintiff arrell Dethlefs, Esquire 2132 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011 For the Defendant -- n rrrT ,_ Court Administrator —. pl z> u; :rlm n Pta opiEs Erg BRENDAN S. PERVA, Plaintiff v. ~PRO F HO!t3 7°f1,JUL E0 AM tt UMBERLAND COIJ f'`s` PENNSYLVANIA IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL SCOTT, Defendant NO. 14-645 Civil CERTIFICATE PREREQUISITE TO SERVICE OF A SUBPOENA PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 As a prerequisite to service of a subpoena for documents and things pursuant to Rule 4009.22, Plaintiff certifies that: 1. Notice of intent to serve the subpoenas was given to William L. Adler, Esq., attorney for Plaintiff. Mr. Adler waived the twenty -day notice requirement via email, attached hereto as Exhibit A. Mr. Adler does not object to the subpoenas. Date: [ ( U I `� Respect . ly submitted, arrell . Dethlefs, Esq. Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market St, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 975-9446 ddethlefs@aol.com Supreme Court ID No. 58805 7/10/2014 RE: Depositions Gmail - RE: Depositions William L. Adler <BAL@billadlerlaw.com> Wed, Jul 9, 2014 at 3:30 PM To: Katie McDonald <kmcd7787@gmail.com> I will waive the 20 day notice requirement to object to the subpoenas. Bill —Original Message— From: Katie McDonald Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2014 3:28 PM To: William L. Adler Subject: Re: Depositions Yes, he'll be there. We meant the notice requirement for the subpoenas we want to issue to Mr. Rhine and Wells Fargo. Katherine L. McDonald, Esquire Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC 2132 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011 (c) (o) (f) ********************PRIVATE AND CONFIDENI1AL******************** This electronic message transmission and any files transmitted with it, are communications from The Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC. This message contains information protected by the attomey/client privilege and is confidential or otherwise the exclusive property of the intended recipient or The Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC. Legal advice contained in the preceding message is solely for the benefit of The Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC, client(s) represented by the Firm in the particular matter that is the subject of this message, and may not be relied upon by any other party. Internal Revenue Service regulations require that certain types of written advice include a disclaimer. To the extent the preceding message contains advice relating to a Federal tax issue, unless expressly stated otherwise, the advice is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by the recipient or any other taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding Federal tax penalties, and was not written to support the promotion or marketing of any transaction or matter discussed herein. This information is solely for the use of the individual or entity that is the intended recipient. If you are not the designated recipient, or the person responsible for delivering the communication to its intended recipient, please be aware that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please notify by telephone ) or by electronic mail -r:) and promptly destroy the original transmission. Thank you for your assistance. On Tue, Jul 8, 2014 at 3:26 PM, William L. Adler <:-`: :'.;::':::::;>;;: ' ::.:::::,::•> wrote: > For trial or depositions? I will waive the notice requirements and have Brendan, Brendan's mother and brother there on the 17th at 9:00. Can we have his mother's deposition first? I assume your client will be there to be EXHIBIT 1,4 htl //mail.gcog le.corn/mail/u/0/?ui=2&il e545375ca98,vievwpt&q=BAL%40billadlerlawcom&gs=true&search=qu th=1471c9b6oec8d9a3&surd=1471c9b60... 1/5 BRENDAN S. PERVA, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PLAINTIFF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. : CIVIL ACTION MICHAEL SCOTT, : No. 14-645 CIVIL DEFENDANT ORDER OF COURT AND NOW, this 'Y day of September, 2014, following trial without a jury, judgment is entered in favor of the Defendant and against the Plaintiff in the amount of $13,640.56. Inasmuch as this sum represents the Defendant's ownership interest in the real estate located at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, upon satisfaction of this judgment, by payment into Court or otherwise, the Defendant's ownership interest in said property will be extinguished. William L. Adler, Esquire 4949 Devonshire Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 For the Plaintiff ,..f.*)arrell C. Dethlefs, Esquire 2132 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011 For the Defendant :rlm Cr:011w ndxt_ 9/V/Y BY THE COURT: Kevin Hess, P. -g- BRENDAN S. PERVA, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PLAINTIFF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. : CIVIL ACTION MICHAEL SCOTT, : No. 14-645 CIVIL DEFENDANT TRIAL MEMORANDUM AND ORDER Plaintiff Brendan Perva initiated the above -captioned action against his half- brother Michael Scott seeking ejectment and damages in the amount of rents due. Defendant answered and filed counter -claims seeking equitable ownership and reformation of the deed. Plaintiff then responded to Defendant's counter claims and filed a counter -reply of his own claiming Defendant is barred from seeking recovery under statute of frauds as well as estoppel, laches, and accord and satisfaction. A non - jury trial was held on Wednesday, August 13, 2014. In early 2011, the brothers orally agreed to a business venture whereby Plaintiff and Defendant would both live in a house intended to be jointly owned. The property in question is located at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA. Due to credit constraints, Defendant was not able to be included on the deed or the mortgage. Though those documents were solely in Plaintiffs name, Defendant agreed to contribute $5,000 toward the down payment on the home. He also agreed to pay half of the mortgage and utilities monthly. The parties took up residence in the property and began the process of rehabilitating it. To date, Plaintiff has contributed $31,877.87 while Defendant has contributed $7,104.17 to the improvement of the property. (Trial Stipulations, ¶ 3). This arrangement worked for almost 2 years until the relationship began to fray and Defendant was struggling to maintain his financial obligations. The troubles culminated with Plaintiff serving Defendant with an eviction notice, to which Defendant has not complied. A number of stipulated facts were presented at trial; foremost among them stated that "Defendant contributed $5,000.00 towards the purchase of the Property." (Trial Stipulations, ¶14). A purchase -money resulting trust arises in favor of the person who paid the purchase price, when the transfer of property is made to one person and the purchase price is paid by another. In order for a purchase -money resulting trust to arise, the following is required (1) the transfer is made to one person and the purchase price is paid by another; (2) the payor does not have the intention that no resulting trust shall arise; (3) the transferee is not the natural object of the transferor's bounty.... The law is clear that once the evidence establishes that a party has made a partial payment towards the purchase price, the beneficiary has a prima facie case for a purchase -money resulting trust in his favor in the proportion that the amount paid by him bears to the total purchase price. Purman v. Johnston, 22 A.2d 722 (Pa. 1941) (mere payment of purchase price is sufficient to create a resulting trust). Fenderson v. Fenderson, 685 Pad 600, 604-05 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1996) (some internal citations omitted). In applying the above 3 -part test, 'Nile law requires clear, direct, precise and convincing evidence of a resulting trust before it will convert absolute ownership into an estate of lesser quality." Id. We first find the property in question was titled solely to Plaintiff, (Trial Stipulations, IT 1), while the down payment was provided by Defendant. Plaintiff asserted during testimony that because the $5,000.00 was a gift to him, as evidenced by the "Gift Letter," that the $5,000.00 down payment should not be considered as having originated from Defendant. This proposition is directly at odds with the stipulated facts. "Defendant contributed $5,000.00 towards the purchase of the Property." 2 (Stipulated Facts, If 4) (emphasis added). "Stipulated facts are binding upon the court as well as the parties." Borough of New Bloomfield v. Wagner, 35 A.3d 839, 846 n.10 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2012) (citing Park v. Greater Delaware Valley Savings & Loan Association, 523 A.2d 771, 773 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1987)). Second, there was no testimony to indicate that Defendant did not intend a resulting trust to be formed. There was substantial testimony as to Plaintiff's belief that he was to be the sole owner of the property. However, Plaintiff's beliefs are not at issue. Lewis v. Spitler, A.2d 994, 997 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1979) (trustee's intent irrelevant to the determination of a resulting trust, only beneficiary's lack of intent could rebut the presumption of a trust). With no evidence to the contrary, it is presumed that Defendant intended to have an interest in the property. Finally, Plaintiff was not the "natural object" of Defendant's "bounty." "When the transfer of property is made to a wife, child or other natural object of the bounty of the person who contributed to the purchase price, it is presumed that the transaction was intended as a gift and a resulting trust does not arise. However, the relationship of brother and sister, does not, per se, give rise to a presumption that one is the object of the other's bounty." Fenderson, 685 A.2d 600, 606. Defendant has met his burden and we deem a resulting trust to have been created at the time of the sale. "The owner of the legal title to land may maintain ejectment against every person but the holder of the equitable title." Dutton's Estate, 57 A. 719, 721 (Pa. 1904). Having found that Defendant is a holder of at least a part of the equitable title, ejectment in favor of Plaintiff, as the legal title holder, would be improper. Defendant seeks reformation of the deed based on his equitable ownership established above. The default rule for reformation of a deed is that the party seeking 3 reformation must prove by clear, precise and indubitable evidence either fraud or mutual mistake. Gallagher v. Finnin, 192 A.2d 136, 137 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1963). However, [R]eformation of a deed may also be made by a court of equity when there has been a mistake by one party with knowledge of that mistake by the other party. A party seeking reformation on the basis of such unilateral mistake may be granted relief if the party against whom reformation is sought has such knowledge of the mistake as to justify an inference of fraud or bad faith. A corollary to the aforementioned principles is the rule that the mistake under scrutiny, as well as the actual intent of the parties, must be clearly proven. Dudash v. Dudash, 460 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1983). Defendant asserts unilateral mistake as the basis for his relief. Specifically, Defendant alleges Plaintiff was aware of Defendant's belief that Defendant would be added to the deed to the property, took money from Defendant for the property, and then subsequently attempted to deny Defendant had any interest in the property. Conversely, Plaintiff testified that he was unaware of any such belief by the Defendant. We find Plaintiff less than convincing in this instance. Defendant produced emails on which Plaintiff had been copied which expressly indicated Defendant's desire to be added to deed despite the difficulties in financing. Additionally, every month Plaintiff collected half of what was stipulated to as the mortgage payment and utilities, which included the property taxes and insurance costs for the property. Further, the original informal agreement between the parties was that the brothers would invest in this property together. Plaintiff provided no evidence that the informal agreement no longer applied simply because Defendant was unable to obtain financing. We are satisfied that Defendant has sufficiently established his mistake in believing he would be added to the deed. 4 However, reformation of a written instrument will not be granted to the detriment of subsequent bona fide purchasers, Iienholders, or encumberancers who took without notice of the latent equity. 79 A.L.R.2d 1180, 1187; See also Concord Liberty Say. & Loan Asso. v. Freedman, 61 Pa. D. & C.2d 487 (C.P. 1973) (defendant in reformation action could have had notice and therefore reformation action could proceed) and Essner v. D'Andrea, 16 Phila. 262 (1986), Aff'd without opinion, 544 A.2d 1047 (1988) (reformation of the deed was proper under a resulting trust even when property in question was subject to a mortgage of a third -party creditor who took with notice of plaintiff's down payment). Essner, supra, granted the reformation of the deed, despite the subsequent mortgage on the property because the payment by the plaintiffs was known to the bank. Here, it was known that Defendant was paying Plaintiff $5,000 towards the down payment of the property, however it cannot be said that the mortgagor in this case encumbered the property with notice of Defendant's equitable rights. Defendant signed a gift letter which stated that he was providing the $5,000 down payment as a gift to his brother without expectation of repayment. From the perspective of the mortgagor, Defendant abnegated all claim to the money that was used as a down payment. Therefore, reformation of the deed would be a violation of the mortgagor's subsequent, good -faith encumberance upon the property. Defendant's payments to Plaintiff were for the mortgage upon the property and monthly utility expenses incurred, as opposed to rent. (Stipulated Fact, ¶ 5). Under the doctrine of a resulting trust, the Defendant accrues an ownership interest. Thus, landlord -tenant damages are improper, as no landlord -tenant relationship exists. As to Plaintiffs defenses, Galford v. Burkhouse, 478 A.2d 1328, 1334 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1984) held that "while parole evidence concerning the circumstances surrounding the execution of a deed is admissible to challenge the legal title and establish a resulting trust, such parole evidence cannot be the basis for an oral express trust which would be violative of the Statute of Frauds." (emphasis added). Here, parole evidence would be no bar to the establishment by this Court of a resulting trust. In any event, the establishment of the resulting trust in favor of Defendant was based not on any oral agreement between the parties, but was instead based squarely on the stipulations provided by parties which stated that Defendant paid $5,000.00 towards the purchase of the property. Plaintiff's claim for estoppel fails on its face. In describing estoppel, our courts have held that [t]he essential elements of estoppel are: (1) Misleading words, conduct or silence by the party against whom the estoppel is asserted, (2) unambiguous proof of reasonable reliance on the misrepresentation by the party seeking to assert the estoppel, and (3) no duty of inquiry on the party seeking to assert estoppel. Straup v. Times Herald, 423 A.2d 713, 720 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1980) (internal citations omitted, overruled in part on other grounds). While the Defendant may have been silent concerning the enforcement of his interest, there are no facts alleged or on the record that indicate that Plaintiff relied on the silence of any misleading conduct. To the contrary, Plaintiff sought and received monthly "mortgage payments," from the Defendant (Stipulated Facts, IT 5), which belies any argument of estoppel. Laches is also no bar to Defendant's recovery. 6 Laches bars relief when the complaining party is guilty of want of due diligence in failing to promptly institute the action to the prejudice of another. Thus, in order to prevail on an assertion of laches, [claiming party] must establish: a) a delay arising from [opposing party's] failure to exercise due diligence; and, b) prejudice to the [claiming party] resulting from the delay. Sprague v. Casey, 550 A.2d 184, 187 (Pa. 1988) (internal citations omitted). While Defendant did not show proper due diligence by allowing the deed, title, and mortgage to be placed solely in Plaintiff's name and continuing to pay for the property for two years without complaint, Plaintiff did not allege nor suffer any prejudice. A prudent, cautious person would have sought at least a modicum of assurances that he was entitled to a return on his investment. Regardless of Defendant's neglect, however, Plaintiff put forth no evidence and none was indicated in the counter -reply, to suggest that Plaintiff had been in any way prejudiced by Defendant's delay. An accord and satisfaction is the result of an agreement between the parties which may be and usually does result from an implied agreement arising from the circumstances. If an agreement stems from a disputed claim, the acceptance of an amount less than the creditor claims to be due, when tendered by the debtor in full satisfaction of the creditor's claim, becomes a completed accord and satisfaction ... unless vitiated by fraud, deception or some other invalidating element. Law v. Mackie, 95 A.2d 656, 660 (Pa. 1953). Plaintiff has alleged no facts in his Counter-Reply/New Matter which would indicate that there was any settlement or agreement between the parties in which Defendant was accepting a lesser interest in the property beyond the simple statement that Defendant's claims are barred by accord and satisfaction. In fact, the parties' other brother, Brad Perva, testified that while attempting to mediate the situation, Defendant would hear no offer of settlement in which his interest in the property was removed 7 without being fully reimbursed. There is thus no support for the Plaintiff's allegation of accord and satisfaction. Having found that a resulting trust exists in favor of Defendant proportional to the total sum he has paid, it behooves us to fashion a final resolution of this dispute. Courts in equity are provided broad powers, which allow the flexibility to form remedies to meet the requirements of the case. See Buchanan v. Brentwood Fed. Say. & Loan Asso., 320 A.2d 117, 126 n.17 (Pa. 1974). However, while "[e]quity provides remedies where the law has established a right but not an adequate remedy..., equity must follow the law. A court of equity has no more right than has a court of law to act on its own notion of what is right in a particular case [and] must be guided by the established rules and precedents" Sandin v. Dempsey, 27 Pa. D. & C.5th 33, 62 (C.P. 2012), affd without opinion, 75 A.3d 541 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2013). Plaintiff has requested to be granted exclusive possession and amounts owed by Defendant. Conversely, Defendant has requested to be instituted as a part-owner in the property, including being placed on the deed. For the preceding reasons, the requested relief by both parties is largely denied. The Plaintiff will retain the title to the property solely in his name, just as the obligation under the mortgage will be solely Plaintiffs.1 However, Plaintiff must recompense Defendant for the money paid towards the property in order to divest Defendant of his interest in the property. Specifically, Defendant is entitled to recover the $5,000 down payment and any payments made to the mortgage during the course of residency. See Kauffman v. Kauffman, 109 A. 640, 642 (Pa. 1920) ("[resulting trust] payment[s] may be temporarily deferred or made by installments"). Additionally, Defendant shall be owed 1 Reformation of the mortgage in addition to the deed is untenable due to lack of mutual mistake, unilateral mistake, fraud, accident, or bad faith. Regions Mortg., Inc. v. Muthler, 889 A.2d 39 (Pa. 2005). 8 for any improvements Defendant made to the property. In this regard, we include the $2,800 for contracted drywall work in the amount owed to Defendant, thereby making the total improvements $7,104.17. (Trial Stipulations, ¶ 3). The amount owed to Defendant shall be reduced by the amount owed in arrearages, $10,422.49. (Trial Stipulations, ¶ 6). This amount is proper in light of the fact that Defendant made only mortgage payments for the months of September through December of 2013. (Trial Stipulations, 3). Thereafter, Defendant made no payments but continued residing on the property. Plaintiff is entitled to recover the unpaid utility payments from the period of Defendant's partial payment. Plaintiff then would be entitled to repayment of both utility payments and house payments, by way of contribution, for the period of Defendant's non-payment. Therefore, the numbers break down as follows: Amount Due to Defendant: Down Payment - $5,000.00 Mortgage Payments - $824.75 * 29 = $23,917.75 12 = $11,958.88 Improvements - $7,104.17 Total - $24,063.05 Amount Due to Plaintiff: Arrearages - $10,422.49 Net Amount Due to Defendant: $24,063.05 - $10,422.49 = $13,640.56 We will enter judgment on behalf of the Defendant with the understanding that once satisfied, any ownership interest in the real estate at 131 HoIIy Drive, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, will be extinguished. ORDER 11 AND NOW, this g day of September, 2014, following trial without a jury, judgment is entered in favor of the Defendant and against the Plaintiff in the amount of 9 $13,640.56. Inasmuch as this sum represents the Defendant's ownership interest in the real estate located at 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, upon satisfaction of this judgment, by payment into Court or otherwise, the Defendant's ownership interest in said property will be extinguished. BY THE COURT, 10 BRENDAN S. PERVA, v. 1ED tJ1 FicE • OF THE P. Mil OCT AM 11 CUMSERLANDCiUN PENNS YLVANI kl : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA • : CIVIL ACTION • • MICHAEL SCOTT,- : NO. 14-645 CIVIL Defendant 4 PRAECIPE TO SETTLE, DISCONTINUE AND SATISFY TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Please mark the above -captioned matter settled, satisfied and discontinued. The Defendant's interest in the subject property located at and known as 131 Holly Drive, Mechanicsburg, rennsylvania, is hereby extinguished. Date: Date: BY: Darr- C. fs, Esquire Attorney for Defendant BY: William L. Adler, Esquire Attorney for Plaintiff