Peterson v. Lynn
Peterson v. Lynn
Opinion of the Court
Plaintiff, Robert Peterson, appeals a final judgment for defendant, W. E. Lynn, in an action seeking recision of a deposit receipt agreement and return of a $5,000 deposit.
On May 9, 1976 Peterson as purchaser and Lynn as seller executed a deposit receipt agreement for the purchase of Lynn’s residence. The contract was signed by Lynn but not his wife. Subsequently, the Lynns agreed to extend the closing date from June 15 to July 15 at the request of Peterson and further agreed to take back a second purchase money mortgage for $28,-000 payable over 20 years at 8V2 interest. In the meantime, based on their contract of sale with Peterson, the Lynns moved out of their house into a new house. At the end of June, Lynn’s attorney forwarded to Peterson
We find that the record substantiates the findings of the trial judge that Mrs. Lynn at all times intended to be bound by the deposit receipt agreement and both Mr. and Mrs. Lynn stood ready, willing and able to execute all necessary documents to consummate the sale of the subject property to Peterson. In addition, the Lynns in reliance upon the agreement and the assurances of Peterson moved from the subject property; nevertheless, Peterson refused to go through with the purchase. As our Supreme Court in Cox v. La Pota, 76 So.2d 662 (Fla. 1955) so aptly stated:
“To permit the appellants to take advantage of such a defense under the facts disclosed by this record would permit them to plead their own wrong, which was known to them, as an excuse for non-compliance. The defense which they imposed was an affirmative defense and the record shows that they did not come into a court of equity with clean hands.” 76 So.2d at 664.
We hold that by reason of his own conduct, Peterson is now estopped to raise the issue that the deposit receipt agreement was void because Mrs. Lynn failed to sign it.
Affirmed.
. who was residing out of state
. On February 1, J977 Lynn sold the subject property.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.