Uldricks

BACKGROUND

The Blyes are residents of Hawaii but jointly own property in California. Uldricks had a prior judgment against Warren in Hawaii which was domesticated in California. In an attempt to partially satisfy the judgment, Uldricks executed on the Blyes’ condominium in Laguna Hills, California, and obtained Warren’s interest in the property at a sheriff’s sale. After acquiring the interest, Uldricks learned that the Blyes were in default on their mortgage and homeowners’ association dues. Uldricks paid more than $60,000 to protect his interest in the property and brought the present action to recover from the Blyes approximately half of that amount. The Blyes answered the complaint through their counsel, Geoffrey O. Evers, and the trial court set trial for April 16, 2012. Uldricks propounded discovery and then filed a motion to compel. The Blyes served discovery responses by mail just days before the hearing, such that Uldricks did not receive them until the eve of the hearing. The trial court sanctioned the Blyes $3,000. Attorney Evers filed a motion to be relieved as the Blyes’ counsel on March 13, 2012. In the motion, Evers explained: “Defendants Warren E. and Judy C. Blye…