Opinion ID: 2633244
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Reformation of the Warranty Deed

Text: In interpreting a deed, the court's goal is to carry out the real intention of the parties. C & G, Inc. v. Rule, 135 Idaho 763, 766, 25 P.3d 76, 79 (2001). If an instrument does not reflect the true intent of the parties due to mutual mistake, then reformation of that instrument may be the proper remedy. Bilbao v. Krettinger, 91 Idaho 69, 72-73, 415 P.2d 712, 715-16 (1966). A mutual mistake occurs when both parties, at the time of contracting, share a misconception regarding a basic assumption or vital fact upon which the bargain is based. Hines v. Hines, 129 Idaho 847, 853, 934 P.2d 20, 26 (1997). The court acts properly in reforming the instrument to reflect the agreement the parties would have made but for the mistake. Bailey v. Ewing, 105 Idaho 636, 640-41, 671 P.2d 1099, 1103-04 (Ct.App. 1983). What the parties actually intended is a question of fact. Id. at 641, 671 P.2d at 1104. The party alleging the mutual mistake has the burden of proving it by clear and convincing evidence. Collins v. Parkinson, 96 Idaho 294, 296, 527 P.2d 1252, 1254 (1974). In the 1966 warranty deed to the Rickers, grantor Carl Pothier stated, Access to lower part of western side of lot is guaranteed by easement use of thirty feet strip along northern side of adjoining property. However, Carl Pothier built the Rickers' home and constructed the driveway with the underlying utilities diagonally across the Pothier parcel. Thus, the easement described in the deed does not reflect the location of the driveway Carl Pothier himself constructed. Clearly, the district court correctly concluded the deed did not reflect the easement to which the parties had agreed. Accordingly, it was appropriate for the district court to reform the deed to reflect the true intention of the parties: the easement described in the deed should be along the location of the driveway and underlying utilities as constructed by grantor Carl Pothier. The true intent of Pothier and the Rickers is a factual determination that will not be disturbed on appeal unless clearly erroneous. Given the fact that Pothier himself was the one who created the deed description, sold the property to the Rickers and then promptly went out and built the driveway in a different location, the district court's conclusion is supported by substantial and competent evidence and is affirmed.