Expert: Charles W. Field - 2/5/2005

Question
Hello I'm not sure if you can help me but my father faxed me a resolution that was drawn up by a church that was signed by its Board of Trustees agreeing to sell him a piece of property for $8,000 on February 1st.  Since the 1st a business has came in and placed a higher offer for the property and now the church is backing out of selling the property to my father.  I work in a law library and he was hoping that a lawyer came in today and I could ask them if this resolution could be considered a legally binding document but so far none have come in.  I asked the reference librarian and he stated that a resolution is not a contract but that was all the information he could give me.  My question are: 1. Is this resolution legally binding? 2. Should my parents try to sue?  If you are able to answer any of these questions or show me in the right direction for and answer it will be greatly appreciated, I work in a law library and have access to all types of law books.  Thanks! ~Betty~

Answer
Without being able to view the documents, I can offer only the following: 1. The resolution may be legal but unless the church followed up by signing a contract to sell, the agreement is not enforceable. Consult with a local attorney who can review the documents.