Hallock v. Anderson
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Hallock v. Anderson
Opinion of the Court
This is an appeal by N. D. Anderson as administrator of the estate of Ernest N. Hallock from a judgment allowing the claim of Guy Hallock in the sum of $6,615. Another case involving a claim against the same estate was decided by the court on this same day. Nelson v. Anderson (No. 34,032), 221 Minn. 25, 20 N. W. (2d) 881. Hallock’s estate consisted principally of a house, furniture, and lot at 1610 East Superior street in Duluth, which property the record shows was of the value of $6,500, and a diamond ring of the value of $100.
Mrs. Hallock had owned the real estate in question since her divorce from her first husband some time prior to 1902. The title to the property remained in her name until December 12, 1935, at which time it was placed in the name of herself and husband as joint tenants by a conveyance through a third party.
When claimant, a son of Mrs. Hallock by the first marriage, discovered that title to the real estate had been placed in the name of his mother and stepfather as joint tenants, he commenced an action
Several assignments of error are raised on this appeal, but we find it necessary to consider only one of such claimed errors, because we have concluded that it disposes of the appeal. The administrator asserts that an action at law for damages based upon breach of an oral contract to convey real estate cannot be brought even though there is sufficient consideration for and part performance of the contract. We agree.. Claimant’s claim to the value of the estate herein in lieu of specific performance is one for the recovery of damages for breach of an oral agreement to convey real estate. Assuming that there was sufficient consideration for and part performance of the contract, claimant cannot recover in an action at law for damages. The doctrine of part performance is purely an equitable doctrine, unrecognized at law, and accordingly will not sustain an action at law for damages based on a contract within the statute of frauds. Cram v. Thompson, 87 Minn. 172, 91 N. W. 483; In re Estate of Roberts, 202 Minn. 217, 277 N. W.
In view of our conclusion as above stated, we find it unnecessary to consider the other questions raised by the administrator.
Reversed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- IN RE ESTATE OF ERNEST N. HALLOCK. GUY HALLOCK v. N. D. ANDERSON
- Cited By
- 2 cases
- Status
- Published