Under Alabama law, the statute of limitations for an “open account” is shorter (3 years) than for an “account stated” or breach of contract claim (6 years). In Cadence Bank, N.A. v. Robertson, No. 1190997, 2021 WL 1230165 (Ala. Apr. 2, 2021), the Alabama Supreme Court reversed a trial court for granting summary judgment in a collection action by a bank against a homeowner because the longer statute of limitations may apply even if the written loan agreement may no longer be in effect. In 2003, the Robertsons executed a loan agreement with a lender to obtain a home-equity line of credit, and granted the lender a mortgage on their house as security. In 2005, the Robertsons delivered payment to the lender on the remaining balance of the loan along with a “kill letter” which instructed the lender to release the mortgage and cancel their line of credit. Yet, later that year, the Robertsons began borrowing additional funds against the line of credit and continued to do so until 2013. In the interim, Cadence Bank acquired the lender and all of its assets and liabilities.
Continue Reading Bank Entitled to Pursue Claim for Longer Statute of Limitations on Loan
Borrower Liability
Uniform Voidable Transactions Act Comes to Alabama
By Jeremy Retherford on
Posted in Borrower Liability, Debt Collection
Alabama has joined approximately 17 other states in adopting the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act (the “VTA”) to replace the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (the “FTA”). The VTA will govern transactions occurring on or after January 1, 2019. The VTA clarifies issues that had become points of contention in avoidance actions under the FTA.…
Alabama Supreme Court: Lender can sue directors of a public improvement district for negligence, breach of fiduciary duty
By Steven C. Corhern on
Alabama law permits the creation of public corporations known as “improvement districts,” which can then issue bonds that are similar to bonds issued by a municipal corporation. These bonds can be used to finance improvements within the district. In Aliant Bank v. Four Star Investments, Inc., the Alabama Supreme Court allowed claims against the directors of one of these improvement districts to go forward despite claims of immunity. The Court also allowed certain fraud claims to go forward against the directors as well as other related individuals and entities. In addition to authorizing lenders to bring suit, the opinion also serves as a strong reminder that lenders should monitor their collateral and promptly investigate any signs of misconduct.