In a compelling legal battle that underscores the importance of fiduciary responsibility, Susan Bassi has filed a lawsuit against Orange Coast Title Company of Northern California. The complaint was lodged on November 24, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, accusing the defendant of multiple violations related to escrow transactions.
The case centers around two real estate sales involving Bassi’s properties in Gilroy and Los Gatos, California. According to the complaint, Orange Coast Title Company (OCT) acted as the escrow holder for these transactions and deducted $10,000 from each sale under the pretense of a litigation holdback linked to Bassi’s divorce proceedings. Despite the dissolution judgment being finalized in 2023 and all contingencies resolved, OCT allegedly refused to release or account for these funds. Bassi claims that this refusal led to significant financial hardship and emotional distress.
Bassi’s allegations against OCT are severe. She accuses them of conversion by wrongfully retaining her funds beyond the stipulated period and breaching written contract terms by not disbursing the holdback after 180 days post-divorce judgment. Furthermore, she asserts that OCT breached its fiduciary duty by failing to follow court orders and escrow instructions while concealing trust fund information for personal gain. “OCT’s conduct was knowing, malicious, oppressive, and fraudulent,” states Bassi in her complaint.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $20,000 alongside prejudgment interest at a rate of 10% per annum due to loss-of-use damages and consequential financial losses. Additionally, she demands restitution for any interest or profits earned by OCT during their possession of her funds. Emotional distress damages are also sought due to the prolonged ordeal caused by OCT’s actions.
Represented by attorney Gulomjon Azimov from Azimov Law Firm in San Jose, Susan Bassi seeks not only monetary compensation but also punitive damages under Civil Code § 3294 due to what she describes as intentional misconduct by OCT. The case is presided over by Judge M. Johnson under Case ID 25CV480730.
Source: 25CV480730_Susan_Bassi_v_Orange_Coast_Complaint_County_of_Santa_Clara.pdf
