Aamot v. Enebo

352 N.W.2d 647 (1984)

Facts

Aamot (P) purchased land from Eneboe (D) that was held in joint tenancy between Everett and Evelyn Eneboe. An oral agreement was reached, and the sale of the land was eventually reduced to writing, but Evelyn never signed the agreement but was fully aware of the contract. P took possession of the land and made payments. All the parties to the contract signed documents acknowledging the payments made and received. P then wanted to pay the balance of the contract price and D refused to accept the payment. P sued for specific performance but agreed to submit to arbitration under Christian reconciliation by a Pastor and six church members. The arbitrators heard the case and then issued an opinion that equally divided the property between P and D. P then heard that D spoke with the arbitrators prior to the hearing. P refused to accept the decision and sued to vacate the award and for specific performance of his contract. P prevailed, and D appealed.