Hines v. Hines

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In 1980, Joseph and C. Elaine Lingscheit transferred 240 acres in fee simple to their seven children. In 2001, the Lingscheits executed a warranty deed conveying in fee simple 240 acres to their son, Brian. The 2001 deed, however, mistakenly conveyed 80 acres that had previously been conveyed to all seven children. The Lingscheits held only a life estate interest in these 80 acres. During the probate proceedings, the children learned their parents had twice transferred the 80-acre tract of land and that their parents owned, in fee simple, a different 80-acre tract of land that was never transferred. Two siblings, Brian and Bradley, brought suit against the remaining siblings asking the circuit court to reform and revise the 2001 warranty deed, contending that the Lingscheits intended to convey to Brian the 80 acres owned by the Lingscheits in fee simple. The trial court declined to reform the 2001 deed and ruled that this deed transferred to Brian a life estate interest in 80 acres. The SupremeCourt affirmed, holding that Brian did not present clear and convincing evidence that the 2001 deed failed to express the intent of the Lingscheits. View "Hines v. Hines" on Justia Law