Practice point: To establish a prima facie case in an action to foreclose a mortgage, a plaintiff must produce the mortgage, the unpaid note, and evidence of default. Where the plaintiff's standing is placed in issue by a defendant, the plaintiff must prove its standing as part of its prima facie showing. A plaintiff establishes its standing in a mortgage foreclosure action by demonstrating that it is either the holder or assignee of the underlying note at the time the action is commenced.
Student note: Either a written assignment of the underlying note or the physical delivery of the note prior to the commencement of the foreclosure action is sufficient to transfer the obligation.
Case: Flagstar Bank, FSB v. Mendoza, NY Slip Op 03849 (2d Dep't May 18, 2016)
Here is the decision.
Tomorow's issue: Vacating a note of issue, and a jury demand.
