Smith and Roberson's Business Law 16th Edition by Richard Mann,Barry Roberts

Exercise 6

Conrad Schaneman was a Russian immigrant who could neither read nor write the English language. In 2009 Conrad deeded (conveyed) a farm he owned to his eldest son, Laurence, for $23,500, which was the original purchase price of the property in 1979. The value of the farm in 1979 was between $145,000 and $160,000. At the time he executed the deed, Conrad was an eighty-twoyear-old invalid, severely ill, and completely dependent on others for his personal needs. He eighed between 325 and 350 pounds, had difficulty breathing, could not walk more than fifteen feet, and needed a special jackhoist to get in and out of the bathtub. Conrad enjoyed a long-standing, confidential relationship with Laurence, who was his principal adviser and handled Conrad's business affairs. Laurence also obtained a power of attorney from Conrad and made himself a joint owner of Conrad's bank account and $20,000 certificate of deposit. Conrad brought this suit to cancel the deed, claiming it was the result of Laurence's undue influence. The district court found that the deed was executed as a result of undue influence, set aside the deed, and granted title to Conrad. Laurence appealed. Decision?