Skinner v. Holgate

¶1 Matthew Skinner appeals from a summary judgment wherein the trial court applied the doctrine of judicial estoppel and granted summary judgment against Skinner. Skinner filed for bankruptcy but failed to disclose an estimated $1,000,000 claim against Holgate and received a discharge in bankruptcy, finding that there were no assets. Judicial estoppel is an equitable doctrine precluding a party from asserting one position in a court proceeding and later seeking advantage by taking an inconsistent position. We hold that the trial court wherein Skinner later made a claim against Holgate, after…