Bank Of America National Trust And Savings Association v. Sanati

14 Cal. Rptr. 2d 615 (1992)

Facts

In 1963 Hassan and D were married in Tehran. They lived in Iran until D moved with their two children to Los Angeles in 1983. Between 1983 and 1987 Hassan spent nearly half his time living in Los Angeles.  In 1987 Hassan permanently left the United States. He arranged for payments to be made to D and instructed P in London to send interest, as it accrued monthly from an account held in his name only, to an account he held jointly at P with D in Tarzana, California. The amount of each interest payment was between $2,000 and $3,000. P in London erroneously sent the principal as well as the accrued interest to the joint account in Tarzana, California. The amount of the erroneous fund transfer was $203,750. D then authorized her children to withdraw $200,000 from this account. These funds were then deposited into various bank accounts under D's and her children's names. P requested reimbursement under unjust enrichment. Ds refused. P sued Ds seeking restitution. P moved for summary judgment. The motion was granted, and D appealed.