Brackenbury v. Hodgkin

Mrs. Hodgkin (defendant) wrote to her daughter and son-in-law, the Brackenburys (plaintiffs), offering them her home upon her death if they moved in and cared for her; the Brackenburys accepted by moving in and providing care. The relationship soured, and after Mrs. Hodgkin told them to leave (which they refused to do), she deeded the home to her son Walter (defendant), reserving a life estate for herself. The Brackenburys sued to force a reconveyance and establish a constructive trust in their favor based on the original agreement; the trial court ruled for them, and the Hodgkins appealed.