Earle v. Angell


157 Mass. 294 (1892).

Aunt offered to pay nephew $500 if he attended her funeral.  Nephew attended the funeral but the aunt’s estate refused to pay.  Nephew sued the estate to enforce the contract.

The court ruled in favor of the nephew.  The court determined that the contract was supported by sufficient consideration (aunt’s promise to pay $500 in exchange for nephew’s promise to attend the funeral).   The court also held that, “a contract to pay money after one’s own death is valid.”

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