Opinion ID: 2072744
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Intent to Contract

Text: The trial court found that the Koobs entered into a contract for the sale of the farm. Unless this finding is clearly erroneous, it must be upheld. Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 52.01. That is, the court reviewing the evidence must be left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed, notwithstanding evidence to support such a finding. In re Estate of Balafas, 293 Minn. 94, 96, 198 N.W.2d 260, 261 (1972); In re Trust Known as Great Northern Iron Ore Properties, Minn., 243 N.W.2d 302 (1976); Bengtson v. Village of Marine on St. Croix, Minn., 246 N.W.2d 582 (1976). It is a basic principle of contract law that parties may assent to a contract one of the terms of which is that a later, more formal evidence of it may be executed. See, e. g., Lamoreaux v. Weisman, 136 Minn. 207, 161 N.W. 504 (1917); Restatement, Contracts, § 26. It is a question of intent. The evidence leaves little doubt the parties intended the memorial to be binding. Both the plaintiffs and Mr. Koob were experienced in real estate dealing. The signing of the document is of special significance. Even a person with limited experience in such matters would attach special meaning to the signatures of the parties. Thus, the finding of a contract by the trial court is not clearly erroneous.