The live-in companion of radio personality Robert Lurtsema could recover from his estate in quantum meruit for work performed while they lived together. Northrup v. Brigham (Mass. App. Crt., No. 04-P-87, April 29, 2005).
Robert Lurtsema, a well-known public radio personality and the longtime host of Morning Pro Musica, was romantically involved with Betsy Northrup for 10 years before his death in 2000. For most of those years, Mr. Lurtsema supported Ms. Northrup financially, and she worked exclusively for Mr. Lurtsema without pay. Mr. Lurtsema died without a will.
Ms. Northrup sued the estate, claiming she had an oral contract with Mr. Lurtsema. She claimed that he promised to leave her his assets in exchange for her services as his caretaker and assistant. The trial court granted summary judgment to the estate. Ms. Northrup appealed.
The Court of Appeals of Massachusetts reverses in part. The court holds that although there was evidence that the couple created an oral contract to make a will, it was unenforceable under the Statute of Frauds. However, Ms. Northrup's lawsuit may proceed because she could still recover in quantum meruit for the fair value of her services.
For the full text of this decision, go to: https://www.masslawyersweekly.com/signup/opinion.cfm?recID=116262.
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