Court Opinion

ID: 9785840
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-30 22:42:03.699778+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:36:35.140177
License: Public Domain

Pierron, J.,
dissenting: I respectfully dissent. This is an attempt to alter or “reform” a contract which was executed almost 30 years ago. The relevant facts appear in the majority opinion.
*292Because of the malign influence of a divorce, both parties were suspicious of each other, for apparently good reasons. The result was a very specific agreement considering the rights of the parties to certain real estate. All were represented by skilled counsel, and much negotiation went into the formation of the contract. The agreement apparently contemplated the likelihood of a sale or refinancing in the future of the real estate. Some of the main characters involved in the negotiations, after nearly 30 years, are now deceased.
The essential fact is that Margaret Law was not to get her share of the real estate until there was a sale or refinancing of the property. As things have worked out, it has not been to the economic advantage of the Law Company Building Associates and the Law Company to refinance or sell the property. In fact, such may well not occur in the near future and before the fife span of Margaret Law ends. Essentially, the majority does not think this is fair.
No one can reasonably say the agreement is not clear, nor can it be said that the agreement is not being followed. Margaret Law is not being deprived of her ownership interest. Should she pass away before a refinancing or sale, like her ex-husband did, her interest will pass to her estate. She has not been able to liquidate her interest as fast as she would have hoped. This is not any breach of good faith and fair dealing. The appellees are exercising their rights under the contract as written, understood, and agreed to. The fact that Margaret Law does not benefit as much as she would if they would follow her wishes is not dishonesty on the part of the appellees. I would affirm. The statute of limitations has run. The deed is long done and fairly so.