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196 A.D. 352

Dixey v. Dixey

Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York · decided 1921-04-08

Appeal by the defendant, Henry E. Dixey, from a judgment of the Supreme Court, entered in the office of the clerk of the county of Nassau on the 15th day of September, 1920, on the report of a referee appointed to hear and determine the whole issues, adjudging that plaintiff recover possession of the family residence in Piándome, with damages for withholding possession.

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently June 2005

2 federal appellate ·

Relies on Phillips v. . Gorham · Strough v. . Wilder · Gilman v. . Gilman

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1921-04-08

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Putnam, J.:

¶1Tins appeal turns on the effect of the certificate, of the husband’s half interest, which has not been withdrawn or *354annulled. Instead of seeking to disaffirm it, she makes a point that this paper was a mark of her fairness and good will toward her husband. Thus she wrote: I am willing to meet you more than half way. I showed that when I willingly gave you a paper, saying you owned half the house.” This proves that the certificate was subscribed and delivered to attest and confirm the reality of defendant’s half ownership. No third persons are involved. As between Mr. and Mrs. Dixey the paper was effective without being acknowledged for recording. (Strough v. Wilder, 119 N. Y. 530.) And apart from technicalities this recognition of defendant’s interest finds support in the circumstances, that both were professional artists with independent incomes from the stage. When he gave her the admission of the $3>000 debt, she in turn granted this proof of joint ownership with mutual control; the two papers then are read together as parts of one transaction. There is no sound objection as to consideration. Advances of money in this manner put the recipient under a duty. Such equity becomes a good consideration. In the words of Buller, J.: Everything which is a ground for equity is a sufficient consideration.” (ffawkes v. Saunders, Cowp. 289, 293.) Plaintiff candidly comes forward and does not really deny the half interest she thus attested. An equitable defense is good in ejectment. .(Phillips v. Gorham, 17 N. Y. 270.) Hence plaintiff stands as a tenant in common with defendant. She has not been ousted, nor have her rights been denied. Therefore, she cannot bring ejectment against her cotenant. (Code Civ. Proc. § 1515; Gilman v: Gilman, 111 N. Y. 265.)

¶2I advise, therefore, that her judgment be reversed and the complaint dismissed, with costs.

¶3Present — Mills, Rich, Putnam, Blackmar and Kelly, JJ.

¶4Judgment reversed and complaint unanimously dismissed, with costs.

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