Appollinari v. Johnson

Per Curiam. Plaintiff appeals as of right from the trial court’s denial of her motion to set aside a summary judgment in favor of defendant. Plaintiffs complaint alleged that defendant, through false pretenses, fraud, and deceit, obtained $15,963.86 held in trust for herself and Nicholas and Lisa Ann Waselewski by their mother, Patricia Waselewski. Plaintiff alleged that her widowed mother was mentally ill and emotionally disturbed. Summary judgment was granted pursuant to GCR 1963, 117.2(1), on the bases that: (1) the mother had complete use and control of the monies held and could withdraw the funds whenever she wished and (2) the children, as trust *675 beneficiaries, were not the proper parties to bring the cause of action against defendant. A motion for summary judgment brought under GCR 1963, 117.2(1) merely tests the legal sufficiency of the claim as determined from the pleadings. Todd v Biglow, 51 Mich App 346, 349; 214 NW2d 733 (1974). Thus, for the purpose of such a motion all well-pleaded allegations are assumed to be true. Bielski v Wolverine Ins Co, 379 Mich 280, 283; 150 NW2d 788 (1967). The test is whether plaintiffs complaint is so clearly unenforceable as a matter of law that no factual development can possibly justify a right to recovery. Crowther v Ross Chemical & Manufacturing Co, 42 Mich App 426, 431; 202 NW2d 577 (1972). On the basis of the well-pleaded allegations contained in the complaint, we conclude that plaintiff was not the proper party to bring this action. Pursuant to GCR 1963, 117.2(1) summary judgment was properly granted since plaintiff has not alleged sufficient facts to show a direct cause of action. Every action must be prosecuted by the real party in interest. GCR 1963, 201.2. Plaintiffs complaint alleged only that the children were the beneficiaries of trust accounts held by their mother as trustee. The conclusory averment that the assets "belonged” to the children was not a well-pleaded fact sufficient to avoid dismissal. Valentine v Michigan Bell Telephone Co, 388 Mich 19, 30; 199 NW2d 182 (1972). The separation of legal and equitable title is one of the distinctive features of the trust relationship. Legal title vests in the trustee to be held for the benefit of the beneficiary. Stephens v Detroit Trust Co, 284 Mich 149, 157-158; 278 NW 799 (1938). Thus, the beneficiary of a trust may not maintain an action at law *676 against third persons where the trustee is entitled to do so. 2 Restatement Trusts, 2d, § 281(1), p 42; cf. Forrest v O’Donnell, 42 Mich 556, 558; 4 NW 259 (1880). However, where the trustee improperly refuses or neglects to bring suit, the beneficiary may sue in equity. 2 Restatement Trusts, 2d, § 282(2), p 44. Here, assuming both that plaintiffs allegations of fraud were true and that the children had a present interest in the trust res, the proper person to bring suit against defendant would have been the children’s mother, as trustee. If, as plaintiff implies, Mrs. Waselewski was incapable of bringing the cause of action, the proper plaintiff would have been a guardian appointed to act on her behalf. GCR 1963, 201.5. Affirmed. Costs to appellee.