Opinion ID: 1952977
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Contract for a Testamentary Disposition

Text: Marion asserts that the evidence at trial could not reasonably support a juror's conclusion that Paul entered into the legally enforceable contract that Paula alleges. Marion contends that even if there was a contract between Paula and Paul, it fails to defeat a written will, and therefore the trial justice's finding that a contract existed clearly was wrong. Finally, if the oral promise is binding, the estate would be bankrupt, thereby frustrating Paul's overall testamentary purpose of caring for his family. The alleged contract at issue is not an irrevocable will contract, which is an oral agreement to create mutual wills. See Lerner v. Ursillo, 765 A.2d 1212, 1217 (R.I. 2001); Lorette v. Gorodetsky, 621 A.2d 186, 187 (R.I.1993) (mem.). The contract at issue is an oral contract that contradicts the terms of Paul's will. Although this may be a distinction without a difference, both are held to the same standard. 1