Opinion ID: 1902399
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Reformation of the Deed.

Text: Unlike settled rules which govern the substantive law of property, rules of construction are subordinate and yield to the intention of the parties, particularly the intention of the grantor, where such intention can be ascertained. Dickson v. Van Hoose, 157 Ala. 459, 47 So. 718 (1908); Meir-Nandorf v. Milner, 34 Idaho 396, 201 P. 720 (1921); Miller v. Miller, 91 Kan. 1, 136 P. 953 (1913). Surely, Appellant's intentions were to convey only the 9 acres requested by Chester Palmer. The credible evidence of record overwhelmingly supports this conclusion. Mistake of fact is a well-recognized ground for interposition of a court of equity. 13 Am.Jur.2d Cancellation of Instruments § 31 (1964). Where it appears that by a mutual mistake of all parties the instrument does not conform to or express their intention or agreement, as where by mistake some material part of the instrument is omitted or the deed is drawn to convey a different interest or a greater or lesser estate than was agreed upon, relief may be had in equity against the other party to the conveyance or his privies. 23 Am.Jur.2d Deeds §§ 155, 158 (1965). Although a deed in terms expresses the intention of the parties, if there is a material mistake as to the property to which those terms apply, such as to its identity, situation, boundaries, title, amount, value, and the like, a court of equity may grant appropriate relief. Goodrich v. Lathrop, 94 Cal. 56, 29 P. 329 (1892). We are convinced by the great weight (indeed on this issue the evidence is virtually without dispute) of the evidence that Ben and Chester acted under a mutual mistake when their sale was consummated in 1949. Reformation of their deed, therefore, is a proper remedy. On remand of this cause, the trial Court, in its discretion, dictated by the necessities of the circumstances, may direct that further proceedings be held in order to more specifically delineate the legal description of the 9-acre tract intended to be conveyed. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. TORBERT, C. J., and MADDOX, SHORES and BEATTY, JJ., concur.