Esmieu v. Schrag

This case is the third in a series involving identical parties and property. It is a direct descendant of Esmieu v. Schrag (Esmieu I), 88 Wn.2d 490, 563 P.2d 203 (1977). See also Esmieu v. Hsieh (Esmieu II), 92 Wn.2d 530, 598 P.2d 1369 (1979).

In 1973 and 1974, members of the Esmieu family entered into two agreements with Jack and Dorothy Hsieh. The purpose of those agreements was to generate more income to the Esmieu family by diversifying property held under a trust. Because the original trust instrument required the Esmieus to keep the trust property intact, the trustees sought court…