Opinion ID: 1696226
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: the chancellor was manifestly wrong in setting aside the warranty deed due to lack of consideration.

Text: The Warranty Deed reads [g]rantors [sic] herein reserves and excepts unto herself a life estate in and to the above described property. The Grantees [Romeo and Martha Vega] herein agree to care for the Grantor [Mrs. Mullen] herein and maintain and pay the upkeep on the home located on the property conveyed herein during the life of the Grantor. The Vegas contend that the remedy for failure to support as recited in the deed, if such exists, is a suit for damages for breach of the agreement to support and not cancellation of the deed. Mississippi case-law agrees. It is well settled that the failure of a grantee to perform a contractual obligation in a deed to support and maintain the grantor does not invalidate a voluntary conveyance, but would give rise to an action for damages caused by the alleged breach of the obligation. Leggett v. Graham, 218 So.2d 892, 894-95 (Miss. 1969); Old Ladies Home Ass'n v. Platt, 252 Miss. 260, 172 So.2d 770 (1965); Olmstead v. Olmstead, 233 Miss. 621, 103 So.2d 399, 401-02 (1958); Wilson v. Combs, 203 Miss. 286, 33 So.2d 830, 831 (1948). See also Covington v. Butler, 242 So.2d 444, 446-47 (Miss. 1970). The Chancellor erred in his determination that even if the deed were valid, absent any undue influence, it must be set aside for failure of consideration. Clearly, the Vegas undertook the obligation to support and maintain Mrs. Mullen and to maintain the property. If there is any failure of consideration at all, the result is to be addressed by awarding damages, the alternative relief for which Mrs. Mullen prayed, rather than a cancellation of the deed. It is at least arguable, that the Chancellor found that the Vegas ceased to perform their contractual duty of care in February 1988 when they went on the road. We cannot say that such a finding, if made, was clearly erroneous. We must, therefore, remand for further consideration of that issue and the assessment of damages, if necessary.