Reference no: EM133199856

Jennifer Strange helped 87-year-old Heath Halverson care for Ethel Halverson, his wife, and Strange's great aunt, for several years before her death. Heath then asked Strange to "take care of him the rest of his life." He conveyed his house to her for "Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00), and other good and valuable consideration," according to the deed, and executed a power of attorney in her favor. When Heath returned from a trip to visit his brother, however, Strange had locked him out of the house. He filed a lawsuit in Washington State Superior Court, alleging fraud. He claimed that he had deeded the house to her in exchange for her promise of care, but that she had not taken care of him and had not paid him the $10. Strange admitted that she had not paid the $10, but argued that she had made no such promise, that Heath had given her the house when he had been unable to sell it, and that his trip had been intended as a move. Do these facts show fraud? Why or why not? If so, what do you think will happen with regard to the enforceability of the deed? Explain your answer by applying the legal rules from this chapter.