Willard v. First Church of Christ, Scientist, Pacifica

McGuigan owned an office-building lot and an adjacent parking lot, letting the First Church of Christ, Scientist (defendant) use the parking lot during services. After selling the office building, she later sold the parking lot to Peterson, the office building's buyer, but the deed created an easement letting the Church continue parking-lot use during services; Peterson recorded the deed and, ten days later, sold both lots to the Willards (plaintiffs). The Willards discovered the easement months later and sued to quiet title; the trial court ruled for them, and the Church sought review.

Whether a grantor conveying land may reserve an interest in that land for the use and benefit of a third party who is not a party to the conveyance.