Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Missouri

Personal Property

Three years ago my fiance's parents bought him a Ford Mustang on the terms that he graduate high school and attend ITT. Upon his turning eightenn his parents refused to sign the title over due to cheaper car insurance. On 11/21/05 his parents told him that they refused to sign over the car to him and would have him arrested for driving the vehicle. These threats and refusal to sign over the title were brought on this time by our upcoming nuptials. Is the verbal contract that they made 3 years ago still binding?


Asked on 11/22/05, 4:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bryan Lade None

Re: Personal Property

Generally, this type of contract is enforceable. That is to say if your fiance' has fulfilled the conditions, graduate high school and attend ITT, then the parents are obligated to "perform" and give him title to the car. On the other hand, if he has not done those two things, and to the parents satisfaction, i.e. has completed ITT if that was understood as a requirement, then the parents are not obligated until those conditions are met. There are many famous cases in history like this, the person receiveing the "gift" usually does not win if the conditions are not met, and the person giving the the gift usually loses when the conditions are met.

Without knowing the entire story, I cannot offer any other advice as to the possible legal obligations of either party. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.

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Answered on 11/22/05, 10:30 am


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