Chandler v. Chandler

This is a suit for cancellation of a deed from an aged couple to their oldest son and his wife, brought by the other descendants of the grantors. The trial court denied relief, stating that the plaintiffs did not show by "clear and convincing evidence" any ground for setting the deed aside. The plaintiffs argue that the trial court applied the wrong standard of proof.

On May 12, 1971, J.N. Chandler, age 94, and his wife Josie, age 84, deeded their homeplace with 20 acres of land to their son Newton and his wife Madge, reserving a life estate to themselves. Josie Chandler entered a nursing home…