Pacific State Cut Stone Co. v. Goble
Washington Supreme Court
425 P.2d 631 (1967)
- Written by Whitney Kamerzel , JD
Facts
Pacific State Cut Stone Co. (Pacific) (plaintiff) was a Washington company that sold quarry machinery located in Oregon to Roy Goble and J. F. Wallace (defendants), who, along with their wives (defendants), were Washington residents. The contract was signed in Oregon, and the initial down payment was made in Oregon. After Goble and Wallace stopped paying for the machinery, Pacific sued Goble, Wallace, their wives, and their marital estates for payment. Goble and Wallace argued that their wives and marital estates were not liable for Goble and Wallace’s debts because Oregon law provided that a spouse’s separate debts are his own separate obligations. However, Oregon did not recognize community-property laws. Under Washington law, the marital estate was liable for the debts of both spouses that arise during marriage. The trial court held that Oregon law applied and that the spouses and marital estates were not liable for Goble and Wallace’s debts. Pacific appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Finley, C.J.)
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