Carlson
Mutual Life Insurance Co. of New York v. Carlson
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM **
The district court correctly concluded that there was no genuine issue of material fact precluding summary judgment in this case. Even if it is unclear whether the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) cancelled principal indebtedness in the amount of $53,852 or whether the corrected 1099-C (reflecting $0 discharged) controls, uncontroverted affidavits from the SBA indicate there is still an outstanding balance on the loan of over $100,000. There is no contrary evidence, such as surrender or cancellation of the note or a signed writing by the SBA, indicating an *683 intention to discharge the entire debt. See Montana Code § 30-3-605(l)(b) & (c). Because there is still a debt owed to the SBA, the Heikens have standing as successors-in-interest to the SBA’s redemption rights.
The Heikens also substantially complied with the Montana redemption statute. The Heikens attempted to timely obtain a complete list of repair and maintenance expenditures from Wildcat Ranch, LLP (“Wildcat”), and ultimately delivered the additional money to the sheriff (with interest) four days later. The Montana Supreme Court has indicated that redemption statutes are to be “liberally construed”…