Couch v. Couch , 148 Ala. 332 ( 1906 )

WEAKLEY, C. J.

— Conceding that the evidence reasonably establishes that Thomas Couch executed a deed to the land in controversy to his sons Charles Couch and Sheffield Couch, the evidence of its delivery is rather unsatisfactory. The deed was not signed by the grantor’s wife, nor recorded, nor it is produced. One of the alleged grantees claims he placed it in his father’s trunk, and that after the latter’s death the deed could not be found. The grantees did not take possession of the land; but it remained in the po-ssession of the father, being in cultivation by his tenant at the time of his death.

But we Avill not. rest our conclusion upon a want of sufficient evidence to reasonably convince us that the deed was delivered, since there is another reason, arising out of the facts, for avoiding the transaction, even if a deed was executed and delivered by tire father to the two sous. The confidential relation of parent and children existed between the parties, and the father was very old and feeble, both in mind and body. The sons resided with him, were young and vigorous, and one of them, shortly before the transaction in question, had induced the father without consideration to convey to him his homestead; the transaction failing of consummation on account of the refusal of the wife to join in the conveyance. The weaker party was the donor, and we are reasonably convinced., from all the facts and circumstances in evidence, that Charles Couch, one of the grantees, was the dominant spirit in the transaction. The consideration recited in the deed to the land was love and .affection, and, although it is claimed the grantees agreed to reside with and care for the grantor during his life, there is no claim that this provision, if agreed to, was inserted in the deed or reduced to writing, nor was the agreement to that effect, if made, complied with. At the time of the conveyance the- grantees were without pecuniary responsibility, owning no real estate; their personal property not exceeding $100 each in value. One of the grantees, the grantor not being present, procured the deed to be prepared by an attorney, expressing doubt whether it Avould be executed, and thereafter took the grantor to an officer, before whom it was 'signed and acknowledged; but the grantor is not shown to have had any independent advice, and there is an entire want of evidence to meet the burden resting upon the grantees to show there was a.n absence of all undue influeuce, advantage, or imposition. If it be urged'that the donor by declarations manifested an understanding of his act and approved the transaction, yet it does not appear there was a severance of the confidential relation by the interposition of competent advice to. the weaken party by a disinterested person. As Lord Eldon said, in Huguenin v. Baseley, 14 Ves. 300, the question was, not whether the party knew what he was doing, had done, or proposed to do, but how the intention was produced.

The confidential relation existing, and one of the grantees being the dominant spirit, the law presumes the exercise of undue influence, and to repel the presumption requires clear and convincing proof that the parties claiming the benefit of the conveyance acted in perfect good faith and did not take advantage of the weakness of the father. Such proof, necessary to uphold the transaction, has not been produced. The principles of law applicable are familiar and well-established, and have found frequent statement in our cases.—McLeod v. McLeod, 145 Ala. 269, 40 South. 414; McQueen v. Wilson, 131 Ala. 606, 31 South. 94; Ryan v. Price, 106 Ala. 585, 17 South. 734; Waddell v. Lanier, 62 Ala. 347; Malone v. Kelley, 54 Ala. 532. The case of Whitten v. McFall, 122 Ala. 619, 26 South. 131, is different from this in several important particulars. There the grantor had previously expressed a determination.to dispose of his property as he did, the deed correctly set forth the agreement to support during life as the consideration and the obligation of the grantees, which was faithfully kept, and the peculiar circumstances rendered the transaction wise and prudent. Besides, the court found the deed proceeded from the grantor’s volition.

The respondents ultimately amended their answer and cross-bill by alleging the land could not be'equitably divided without sale and by praying a sale for division. We find no answer to the cross-bill as thus amended, nor decree pro confesso thereon in the record. The case not being in condition for a final disposition here, we will reverse and annul the decree of the chancellor, and remand the cause.

Reversed and remanded.

Haralson, Dowdell,' and Denson, JJ., concur.