Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Rush VITALIY, a/k/a Rush Vitaly, Appellant, v. WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Trustee FOR the POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 1 2004 ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2004-WHQ2, Joulia Vitaliy and Argent Mortgage Co, Appellees.
We reverse the final judgment of foreclosure entered in favor of Appellee, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., against Appellant, Rush Vitaliy. In his answer to Appellee's foreclosure complaint, Appellant alleged that Appellee failed to provide him with the notice of default letter required by paragraph 22 of the mortgage. At trial, Appellee attempted to prove compliance with paragraph 22; however, the court sustained Appellant's objection that the proffered evidence was hearsay. At the conclusion of Appellee's case, Appellant moved for an involuntary dismissal based on Appellee's failure to prove that it actually mailed a default letter to Appellant. The trial court denied Appellant's motion and entered final judgment in favor of Appellee.
At best, Appellee's evidence proved only that Appellee prepared a default letter addressed to Appellant; however, there was no proof that the default letter was actually mailed. Thus, Appellee failed to prove that it complied with paragraph 22 of the mortgage. See Madl v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 244 So.3d 1134, 1137 (Fla. 5th DCA 2017). Accordingly, the trial court erred by denying Appellant's motion for involuntary dismissal and for entering judgment in favor of Appellee. We reverse the final judgment and remand to the trial court with instructions to enter an order involuntarily dismissing the case.
REVERSED AND REMANDED.
PER CURIAM.
COHEN, C.J., EDWARDS and GROSSHANS, JJ., concur.
Thank you for your feedback!
As the largest network of trusted legal brands, we help firms build authority across the platforms consumers and AI systems rely on most. Our network helps attorneys strengthen visibility, credibility, and preference where legal decisions begin.
Docket No: Case No. 5D17-1904
Decided: September 28, 2018
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida, Fifth District.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)
Harness the power of our directory with your own profile. Select the button below to sign up.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)