Bonner v. Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.

Carley, Justice.

Shortly after the death of her husband in 1990, Gertrude Paige executed a warranty deed conveying a 100-acre tract to herself and her niece, Laura Bonner, thereby creating a joint tenancy with right of survivorship. About that time, Emma and Clifford Phillips (Occupants) became interested in purchasing an acre of the property. They contacted Alvin Paige, the brother of Ms. Paige’s deceased husband, to ask him to negotiate with his sister-in-law on their behalf. According to Occupants, an agreement was reached to purchase the acre for $1000, payable over a nine-month period. In…