Case No. 19-0381

Prentice W. Malott and Lindsey B. Malott
v.
Bevard Properties, L.C., d/b/a Bevard Properties, L.C.-Series 22 and Thomas B. Bevard

Appellant

Prentice W. Malott and Lindsey B. Malott

Appellee

Bevard Properties, L.C., d/b/a Bevard Properties, L.C.-Series 22 and Thomas B. Bevard

Attorney for the Appellant

Peter C. Riley

Attorney for the Appellee

Joseph W. Younker, David M. Caves, and Laura M. Hyer

Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals Opinion

Summary

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Mary E. Chicchelly, Judge.  AFFIRMED.  Heard by Tabor, P.J., and May and Greer, JJ.  Opinion by Greer, J.  (16 pages)

            Prentice and Lindsey Malott appeal the district court order granting summary judgment in favor of Bevard Properties, L.C. and Thomas Bevard (collectively “Bevard”).  The Malotts argue the doctrine of claim preclusion bars all of Bevard’s claims and, even if not barred, Bevard could not foreclose without a deficiency judgment and pursue a judgment for an attorney fee award from a prior action on the contract.  OPINION HOLDS: The doctrine of claim preclusion does not bar Bevard’s foreclosure claim and the attorney fee award from the prior proceeding is separate and distinct from the foreclosure action.