Hobby v. Smith

Ruffin, Judge.

Madera Smith sued Wensley Hobby, executor of the estate of Smith’s aunt, Sanella Grauer. In her complaint, Smith sought to enforce an agreement she had with Grauer in which Grauer would leave half of her estate to Smith in exchange for services. In the alternative, Smith sought payment of $47,000, which she alleged was the reasonable value of the services rendered to Grauer. Although the jury rejected Smith’s claim for half of the estate, it found she was entitled to the $47,000. Hobby appeals, asserting multiple enumerations of error. For reasons that follow, we reverse.

1. In…