Gentlemens Handshake

[jab12_98]

We live on 2 acres that is surrounded by a farm. An elderly couple live on the farm. 6 years ago, the old man asked if I can keep the fields mowed down and he would take care of us. He told us he would have a surveyor come up and cut us off a parcel of land and give it to us for $1 for taking care of the property. I did this for 6 years and he died and left the farm to a relative. They don't care about our agreement. I went out and purchased machinery to make the job easier. Did I get screwed, or does a verbal agreement count for anything in a court of law. Any help?

[This message has been edited by jab12_98 (edited March 08, 2000).]

 

[msattorney]

Unfortunately, verbal agreements are not usually valid when they involve real property. I would suggest speaking to an attorney about this just to verify that this is the case in your jurisdiction.