Joel v. Joel

DICKINSON, Justice,

for the Court:

¶ 1. Jimmy Joel persuaded his elderly parents (“the Joels”) to purchase a house from the Shackelfords. Without the Joels’ knowledge, Jimmy had his lawyer include in the deed a provision that transferred title to himself upon the death of either of his parents. When the Joels learned what Jimmy had done, they confronted him, and Jimmy agreed to remove the provision. But before doing so, he unexpectedly died. Unable to persuade Jimmy’s widow to change the deed, the Joels filed this suit to obtain fee-simple title.

¶ 2. In Mississippi, equity must follow the law.…