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(x #X'XXX+##ܑXX'm#X'Xܑ Tenn.R.App.P.3;AppealasofRight;JudgmentoftheChanceryCourtAffirmed  3   #ܑX'o#X'X.ܑW.FrankCrawford,P.J.,W.S.,deliveredtheopinionofthecourt,inwhichAlanE.Highers,  J.andDavidR.Farmer,J.,joined.  T.D.Forrester,Covington,ForAppellants,BillGibson,ClydeGibson,VivianGibsonSummar, q PamGibsonClark,andRobertJ.Gibson,Jr. Z J.ThomasCaldwell,Ripley,ForAppellee,JimmyL.Gibson ,|  OPINION #ܑXX'=#X'Xܑ N #ܑXX'V #X'Xܑ    ClydeGibson,Sr.andhiswife,BlancheF.Gibsonweretheownersofapproximately150 !!! acresoffarmlanduponwhichtheyresided(the Land).ClydeandBlancheGibsonhadfoursons: " " ClydeGibson,RobertGibson,BillGibsonandJimmyGibson.ClydeGibson,Sr.,withthehelpof ## hissons,farmedthelanduntilshortlybeforehisdeathin1963.Atthattime,andwiththeassistance $$ ofJimmyGibson( Defendant,or Appellee),ClydeGibson,Sr.leasedtheLandforfarming. u% %   RobertGibson,ClydeGibson,andJimmyGibsonallreceivedlotsoutofthefarmandbuilt G'"' housesontheirlotsandlivedincloseproximitytotheirmotherafterthedeathoftheirfather.Bill 0(#( GibsonhaslivedinMemphissince1971.InJuly1993,RobertGibsonpredeceasedhismother. )i$) RobertGibsonhadthreechildren:VivianGibsonSummar,PamGibsonClark,andRobertGibson, *R%* Jr.(togetherwithBillGibson,andClydeGibson, Plaintiffs,or Appellants). *;&+   AtthetimeofClydeGibson.Sr.sdeath,BlancheGibsonsonlysourceofincomewasthe , (- farmrentalproceeds.Afterhisfathersdeath,JimmyGibsonhandledallaspectsofthefarmleasing -(. arrangementsfromthemid60suntilthemid80s.Duringthisperiod,JimmyGibsonnegotiatedand  madearrangementsfortheleasingoftheLand,monitoredtheleases,andterminatedleaseswhen  hedeemeditnecessary.DuringtheperiodwhentheLandwasbeingrentedtooutsidetenants,the  onlymortgageindebtednessontheLandwasaDeedofTrust,datedJanuary1972,fromBlanche k GibsontoUnionSavingsBank,securinganindebtednessintheamountof$5,388.00. T   Inapproximately1985,JimmyGibsonbeganfarmingtheLandhimself.JimmyGibsonmade & v annualrentalpaymentofonethirdoronefourthofthenetcroptohismother.JimmyGibson  _ farmedtheLandfromapproximately1985throughthecropyearof1993.AtthetimeJimmy  H GibsonbeganfarmingtheLand,BlancheGibsonwasapproximately73yearsold.Afterthe1993  1  crop,JimmyGibsonleasedtheLandtotheKellyfamily.      OnApril23,1984,BlancheGibsonincurredmortgageindebtednessof$10,761.00toUnion   SavingsBank.OnDecember8,1986,BlancheGibsonincurredmortgageindebtednesstoUnion   SavingsBankintheamountof$20,000.00.BillRice,aformerloanofficerandemployeeofUnion n  SavingsBank,testifiedthattheDecember8,1986mortgageindebtednesswasarenewaloftheApril W  23,1984indebtedness,withadditionalfundsbeingadvanced.BillRicestatedthattheDecember @ 30,1988$10,000.00mortgageindebtednesswouldhavebeennewfundsbecausethiswasasecond )y mortgageontheLand. b   OnFebruary2,1993,whenshewas81yearsold,BlancheGibsonwasinjuredinacar 4 accident.Fromthatpointon,herhealthbegantograduallydeteriorateuntilshewasplacedina  nursingfacilityin1999.SheremainedthereuntilherdeathonJune28,2000.    Duringearly1994,JimmyGibsoncontactedUnionSavingsBankandrequestedaloanto  purchasetheLand.JimmyGibsondidnotnotifyBlancheGibsonsotherheirsofhisdesireto q purchasetheLand.DonnaGibson,thewidowofRobertGibson,Sr.,receivedinformationthat Z JimmyGibsonwasattemptingtoobtaintheLandandshenotifiedBillGibson.BillGibsonmetwith C hismotherinanattempttofindoutthestatusofthematter.Asaresultofthisconversationwithhis ,| mother,BillGibsonarrangedameetingintheSpringof1994withUnionSavingsBankPresident, e BarnettHall,ClydeGibson,JimmyGibson,andBlancheGibson.BillGibsonandBarnettHall N testifiedthat,atthismeeting,BlancheGibsonappearedtounderstandthesituationandheroptions  7 concerningtheLand.Atthattime,itwasdecidedthatBlancheGibsonwouldretaintheLandand !   thattheyearlyrentalcheckfromtheKellyfamilywouldbesentdirectlytothebank,withaportion " ! thereofgoingtoserviceBlancheGibsonsindebtednesstothebankandtheremainderbeing #" depositedintoBlancheGibsonspersonalaccount. $#   InOctoberof1994,JimmyGibsoncontactedthelawofficeofMichaelAcree,inCovington, ]&!% Tennessee,toprepareaQuitclaimDeed(the 1994Quitclaim)fromBlancheGibsontoJimmy F'"& Gibson,withBlancheGibsonreservingalifeestate.StacyNorthcott,Mr.Acrees /(#' assistant/paralegal,testifiedthatsheusuallymetwithMr.Acreesclientsonroutinemattersand )h$( wouldprepareandhandlethepreparationofsimpledeeds,suchasthe1994Quitclaim.OnOctober *Q%) 17,1994,JimmyGibsonandhisson, LittleJimmyGibson,broughtBlancheGibsontoMr. *:&* Acreesoffice.BlancheGibsonexecutedthe1994QuitclaiminthepresenceofStacyNorthcott, +#'+ JimmyGibson,and LittleJimmyGibson.StacyNorthcotttestifiedthatsheinformedBlanche  GibsonwhatthedocumentpurportedtodoandthatBlancheGibsonunderstoodwhatshewas  signing.The1994QuitclaimwasrecordedintheRegistersOfficeofTiptonCountyonOctober  18,1994. k   BlancheGibsoncontinuedtomakeloansontheLandthrough1998.Inlate1998,Blanche =  Gibsonshealthhaddeterioratedtothepointthatshewasplacedinanursinghome. & v   OnJuly30,1999,BlancheGibsonsignedasecondQuitclaimDeed(the 1999Quitclaim),  H bywhichshereleasedherlifeestateintheLand.The1999QuitclaimwasrecordedonAugust2,  1  1999.O N#  1      ׀      BlancheGibsondiedin2000.BillyGibsontestifiedthatheknewnothingofthequitclaim   deedsuntilheandJimmyGibsonwenttothebanktomakearrangementsfortheirmothersfuneral.   HetestifiedthathewasshockedtolearnthattheLandhadbeendeededtoJimmyGibsonseveral n  yearsearlier. `  W    OnNovember13,2000,theAppellantsfiledaComplaintagainstJimmyGibson.The )y Complaintspecificallyaverredthatthe1994Quitclaimwasexecutedwithoutthebenefitof b independentadviceasaresultofthefraudandundueinfluenceofJimmyGibson,andwasexecuted K withoutconsiderationandatatimewhenBlancheGibsonwasadvancedinageandsufferedfrom 4 physicalandmentalweaknesses.TheAppellantsfurtherallegedthatthe1994Quitclaimwas  contrarytoBlancheGibsonsexpressedintentionsandresultedinanunnaturaldisposition,which  occurredwhiletherewasaconfidentialrelationshipbetweenJimmyGibsonandhismother.  AppellantswereallowedtoamendtheirComplaintonApril10,2003tospecificallyaverthatthe  1994QuitclaimwastheresultofthefraudofJimmyGibsonastothevalueoftheLandandthe q misrepresentationthattheLandwasinjeopardyofbeingforeclosedbyUnionSavingsBank.On Z November28,2000,JimmyGibsonansweredtheComplaint,assertingthathismotherwas C competenttoconveyherinterestintheLand,thathewasnotguiltyoffraudormisrepresentation, ,| thattherewasnoconfidentialrelationshipbetweenheandhismother,andthatthetransferswere e nottheproductofundueinfluence. N   AnonjurytrialwasheldonAugust18and19,2003.Followingthehearing,thetrialcourt !   enteredits FinalDecreeand TrialOpinion,onNovember24,2003.Astothe1994Quitclaim, " ! thetrialcourtmadethefollowing,relevantfindings: #" 8  8`   1.Dr.JesseJ.Cannon,Jr.M.D.testifiedthatMs.Gibsonwouldhave t% $  beencompetentatthetimesheexecutedthedeed.]&!%` x` x 8  8`   2.StacyNorthcott,thelegalsecretaryofMikeAcreewhoprepared  thedeedandnotarizedit,testifiedthatMs.Gibsonwascompetentat  thetimeshesignedthedeed.` x` x  8  8`   ***T` x` x 8  8`   TheCourt,afterconsideringallofthecredibleevidenceinthecause, & v findsbyapreponderance,orthegreaterweight,oftheevidence,that  _ theplaintiffshavebeenunabletoproveandestablish:(1)fraud;(2)  H undueinfluence;(3)aconfidentialrelationship,otherthanthenormal  1  parentandchildrelationship;(4)theexerciseofdominionand    controlbythedefendantoverhismother;and(5)thattheexecution   ofthe1994deedwasnottheconsciousandvoluntaryactofBlanche   Gibson,andwasperformedundersuchacloudofmisunderstanding   andmistakeastorenderherassentinvalid.n ` x` x 8  8`    TheCourtfurtherfindsthattheadviceofBarnettHalland W  BillRicetoBlancheGibsondidconstituteindependent @ advice.Appellantsappealandraisefourissuesforreviewasstatedin )y theirbrief:b` x` x 8  8`   1.Thetrialcourterredinfindingthataconfidentialrelationshipdid K notexistbetweenBlancheGibsonandJimmyGibsonotherthanthe 4 normalparent/childrelationship.` x` x 8  8`   2.Thetrialcourterredinnotfindingtherewerenumerous  suspiciouscircumstanceswithand/orinadditiontotheconfidential  relationshipbetweenBlancheGibsonandJimmyGibsoninorderto q establishorcreateapresumptionofundueinfluence.Z` x` x 8  8`   3.ThetrialcourterredinfindingthatBlancheGibsonhadreceived ,| independentadvicefromBarnettHallandBillRice.e` x` x 8  8`   4.Thetrialcourterredinnotfindingthe1994QuitclaimDeed  7 (Exhibit9)tobenullandvoidbecauseJimmyGibsonsfraudandthe !   factthattheQuitclaimDeedwasnotaproductofavoluntaryand " ! consciousactofBlancheGibson.#"` x` x   Theexistenceofaconfidentialrelationshipandtheexerciseofundueinfluencearequestions t% $ offact. Clarkv.Perry ,No.No.02A01-9704-CH-00080,1998Westlaw34190562,at*4(Tenn.Ct. ]&!% App.Mar.19,1998)(citing Frittsv.Abbott ,938S.W.2d420,421(Tenn.Ct.App.1996)). G'"& Accordingly,ourreviewoftheseissuesis denovo upontherecord,accompaniedbyapresumption 1(#' thatthetrialcourtsfindingsoffactarecorrectunlesstheevidencepreponderatesotherwise.Tenn. )k$( R.App.P.13(d).Furthermore,whentheresolutionoftheissuesinacasedependsuponthe *T%) truthfulnessofwitnesses,thetrialjudge,asthetrieroffact,hastheopportunitytoobservethe *=&* witnessesintheirmanneranddemeanorwhiletestifyingandisinafarbetterpositionthanthisCourt +&'+ todecidethoseissues. McCalebv.SaturnCorp. ,910S.W.2d412,415(Tenn.1995); Whitakerv.  Whitaker ,957S.W.2d834,837(Tenn.Ct.App.1997).Theweight,faith,andcredittobegivento  anywitnesstestimonyliesinthefirstinstancewiththetrieroffact,andthecredibilityaccordedwill  begivengreatweightbytheappellatecourt. Id .; InreEstateofWalton ,950S.W.2d956,959 m (Tenn.1997). W     Intheinstantcase,theAppellantsassertthatJimmyGibsonexercisedundueinfluenceover ) y BlancheGibsonsintheprocurementofthe1994Quitclaimonnumerousgrounds,including:(1)the  b existenceofaconfidentialrelationshipbetweenJimmyGibsonandBlancheGibson;(2)Blanche  K Gibsonsphysicalandmentaldeteriorationandheradvancedage;(3)JimmyGibsonsinvolvement  4  inprocuringtheQuitclaimandhissecrecysurroundingit;(4)theunjustandunnaturaltermsofthe    Quitclaim;(5)alackofindependentadvice;and(6)fraud.      Thedoctrineofundueinfluenceapplies whenoneparty,suchasagrantee,isinaposition   toexerciseundueinfluenceoverthemindandthewillofanother,suchasagrantor,duetothe q  existenceofaconfidentialrelationship. Brownv.Weik ,725S.W.2d938,945(Tenn.Ct. Z  App.1983).Apartyseekingtorescindadeedbasedonthisdoctrinehastheburdenofproving(1) D thataconfidentialrelationshipexistedbetweenthepartieswhereinthegranteewasthedominant -} party,and(2)thatthetransactionconferredabenefitonthegrantee. Matlockv.Simpson ,902S.W f .2d384,386(Tenn.1995); Frittsv.Abbott ,938S.W.2d420,421(Tenn.Ct.App.1996); Williamson P v.Upchurch ,768S.W.2d265,269(Tenn.Ct.App.1988); Parhamv.Walker ,568S.W.2d622,624 : (Tenn.Ct.App.1978).Oncethepartyprovestheseelements,apresumptionarisesthatthedeedwas $ procuredbyundueinfluence. Brownv.Weik ,725S.W.2dat945; Parhamv.Walker ,568S.W.2d   at624.Theburdenthenshiftstothegranteetoprove,byclearandconvincingevidence,thatthe  transactionwasfairandwasnottheresultofundueinfluence. Matlockv.Simpson ,902S.W.2dat  386; Brownv.Weik ,725S.W.2dat945; Parhamv.Walker ,568S.W.2dat624.Ifthegranteefails z tocarrythisburden,thetransactionispresumedvoid. Id . d   Concerningconfidentialrelationshipsbetweenaparentandchild,ourSupremeCourt,in 7  Kellyv.Allen ,558S.W.2d845,848(Tenn.1977),heldthatanormalrelationshipbetweenamentally  p competentparentandanadultchildisnotperseaconfidentialrelationshipanditraisesno  Z presumptionofinvalidityofthetransactionNonetheless,confidentialrelationshipscanassumea  C varietyofforms. Mitchellv.Smith ,779S.W.2d384,389(Tenn.Ct.App.1989).Accordingly,courts !,  havebeenhesitanttoprovideaprecisedefinitionfortheterm confidentialrelationship. Id .; accord "! Williamsonv.Upchurch ,768S.W.2dat269; Brownv.Weik ,725S.W.2dat945.Generally,a #" confidentialrelationshipincludesanyrelationshipoftrustandconfidencewhichgivesoneparty $# dominionorinfluenceovertheother. Mitchellv.Smith ,779S.W.2dat389; Williamsonv. % $ Upchurch ,768S.W.2dat269.Morespecifically,aconfidentialrelationshipisone where m&!% confidenceisplacedbyoneintheotherandtherecipientofthatconfidenceisthedominant W'"& personality,withtheability,becauseofthatconfidence,toinfluenceandexercisedominionover @(#' theweakerordominatedparty. Iacomettiv.Frassinelli ,494S.W.2d496,499(Tenn.Ct. ))y$( App.1973); accordMitchellv.Smith ,779S.W.2dat389; Williamsonv.Upchurch ,768S.W.2d *c%)  at269. *M&*   Althoughcourtshaveavoidedapreciselegaldefinitionfortheterm confidential   relationship,theyhavediscussedthetypeofevidencethatwillsupporttheexistenceofa  confidentialrelationship:  8  8`   Evidenceofoneparty'sdeterioratedmentalorphysicalcondition T willsubstantiatetheexistenceofaconfidentialrelationshipaswell =  astheabilityofthedominantpartytoinfluencetheweakerparty.... & v Theweakerpartyneednotbelegallyinsane....Anycondition  _ renderingtheweakerpartyunabletoguardagainstthedominant  H party'simpositionorundueinfluenceissufficient.... 1 ` x` x 8  8`   Thus,thequestiontobeansweredisnotwhethertheweakerparty's   decisionwasagoodone,orevenwhetherheknewwhathewas   doingatthetime.Inthesecases,thecourtsmustdeterminewhether   theweakerparty'sdecisionwasafreeandindependentoneor n  whetheritwasinducedbythedominantparty.W ` x` x  Williamsonv.Upchurch ,768S.W.2dat270(citationsomitted); accordFrittsv.Abbott ,938 )y ЀS.W.2dat421. c   Inotherwords,theremustbeashowingthattherewerepresenttheelementsofdominion 5 andcontrolbythestrongerovertheweaker,ortheremustbeashowingofsenilityorphysicaland  mentaldeteriorationofthedonor,orotherconditionswhichwouldtendtoestablishthatthefree  agencyofthedonorwasdestroyedandthewillofthedoneewassubstitutedtherefor. Kellyv.Allen ,  558S.W.2d845,848(Tenn.1977); accordFrittsv.Abbott ,938S.W.2dat420-21.      Inadditiontoconfidentialrelationshipandthegrantorsphysicalormentaldeterioration, ] courtshavenotedother suspiciouscircumstancethatareoftenreliedupontoestablishundue F influence.Theseinclude:(1)thebeneficiarysactiveinvolvementinprocuringtheconveyance, see, / e.g.,Kellyv.Allen ,558S.W.2d845,848(Tenn.1977);(2)secrecyconcerningtheexistenceofthe i conveyance;(3)thegrantorsadvancedage;(4)thelackofindependentadviceinpreparingthe  S instrument;(5)theunjustorunnaturalnatureoftheinstrumentsterms;(6)thetestatorbeinginan  < emotionallydistraughtstate;(7)discrepanciesbetweentheinstrumentandthegrantorsexpressed !%  intentions;and(8)fraudorduressdirectedtowardthegrantor. SeeHallev.Summerfield ,  287 "! S.W.2d57,61-62(Tenn.1956) ;AmericanTrust&BankingCo.v.Williams ,  225S.W.2d79,85 #" (Tenn.1948); seealso 1  PritchardontheLawofWillsandAdministrationofEstates145(4thed. $# 1983). |% $   Wehavereviewedtheentirerecordinthiscaseandwefindthattheproofnegatesany N'"& conclusionthataconfidentialrelationship,inthelegalsense,existedbetweenBlancheGibsonand 7(#' JimmyGibson.Theproofdoesindicatethatanormalmothersonrelationshipexistedbut,asnoted  )p$( above,thatrelationshipisnotthesameastheconfidentialrelationshipinlaw.Appellantsassertthat  *Y%) thefactthatJimmyGibsoncontrolledthedaytodayoperationsofthefarmandtheleasing *B&* agreementsindicatesthatheexerciseddominionandcontroloverhiselderlymother.Wedisagree. ++'+ WhileitisundisputedthatJimmyGibsonhadprimaryresponsibilityfortheleases,suchcontrolover  theoperationofthefarmdoesnotevinceadominionandcontroloverthepersonofBlancheGibson.  Therecorddoesnotsupportafindingthat,atthetimethe1994Quitclaimwasexecuted,Jimmy  Gibsonexercisedany dominionorcontroloverthementalprocessesorphysicalactionsofhis k mother.Dr.Cannon,whotreatedBlancheGibsonfrom1989until1999,testifiedinrelevantpart T asfollows: =  8  8`   Q.Atthattime[May20,1997]Ididntseeanykindofnotationsor  _ anythingthatthelady[BlancheGibson]wasntabletotellyou[Dr.  H Cannon]whatherproblemswereandtalktoyou. 1 ` x` x 8  8`   A.Ispecificallyremember.Thislady!Ihadtakencareofherfor   quitesometimeandgottoknowherverywell.Andshewasstill   veryawareofhersurroundingsandabletobeinvolvedindecisions   regardingherhealthcareandotherthings.n ` x` x 8  8`   Q.ThatsinMayof97?@` x` x 8  8`   A.Mayof97.b` x` x 8  8`   Q.Whatisyouropinionastowhetherornotthat[sic]shewas 4 mentallyalertandmentallycapableofhandlingherownaffairsat  thattime?` x` x 8  8`   A.Thatshewascapableandcompetent.` x` x 8  8`   Q.WasthereanyperiodoftimebeforethatMayof97,fromyour Z recollectionandfromyourofficenotesthatyoufeltthattheladywas C notcapableofhandlingherownaffairs?,|` x` x 8  8`   A.No.Shewasstubbornbutcompetent.N` x` x   AlthoughBlancheGibsonwasofadvancedageandwasexperiencingdiminishedhealthat !   thetimeoftheexecutionofthe1994Quitclaim,theevidencedoesnotindicatethathercondition " ! wassoadvancedastodestroyherfreeagency. #"   TheAppellantsalsoassertthatthereareother suspiciouscircumstancesfromwhichthe t% $ trialcourtshouldhavefoundthatJimmyGibsonexercisedundueinfluenceoverhismother. ]&!% AppellantspointtothefactthatJimmyGibsonattemptedtopurchasetheLandfromhismotherin F'"& early1994atapriceallegedlylessthanfairmarketvalue.ThisattemptedpurchaseledtotheSpring /(#' 1994meetingatUnionSavingsBank,atwhichBarnettHall,ClydeGibson,JimmyGibson,Bill )h$( GibsonandBlancheGibsonwereallpresent.TherecordindicatesthatBlancheGibsonwasadvised *Q%) ofallofheroptionsconcerningtheLandatthismeetingandthatsheunderstoodtheadvice. *:&* Consequently,BlancheGibsonunderstoodintheSpringof1994thatshedidnothavetosellthe +#'+ Landinordertoserviceherindebtednessortohavefundsonwhichtolive.BillGibsontestified,  inrelevantpart,asfollowsconcerningwhatinformationhismothergleanedfromtheSpring1994  meetingatthebank:  8  8`   Q....You[BillyGibson]toldher[BlancheGibson]thatthebank T wasnotgoingtotakethefarm;Halltoldherthebankwasnotgoing =  totakethefarm,correct?& v` x` x 8  8`   A.Thatscorrect. H` x` x 8  8`   Q.Andyourecommendedtoher!youpersuadedhernottosellthe    farmtoJimmyGibson,correct? ` x` x 8  8`   A.Idontknowifpersuadeistherightword.Byshowingherthe   facts,itwasdecidedthat[selling]wasntthebest!itwasnt[in]her n  bestinteresttodothat.W ` x` x 8  8`   ***)y` x` x 8  8`   Q.Whatwordsdidyoutellher?K` x` x 8  8`   A.Onceitwasbroughtoutthatthebankwasnotgoingtotakethe  farmandthatshecouldkeepthefarmandhaveincome,shewasokay  withit.` x` x 8  8`   Q.Imaskingyouwhatyoutoldher,Mr.Gibson.Whatdidyoutell q her?Didyoutellher:YoudontneedtosellthefarmtoJimmy? Z Youdonthavetosellthefarm?Whatdidyoutellher?C` x` x 8  8`   A.Itoldhershedidnothavetosellthefarmbecausethebankwas e notgoingtotakeit,and youcanhaveanincomeofftherent.N` x` x 8  8`   Q.Youtoldherthis.NowdidMr.Hallsayanythinglikethattoher?!  ` x` x 8  8`   A.Heconfirmedthatthebankwasnotgoingtotakethefarmaway, #" therewasnothreatofthebanktakingthefarmaway.$#` x` x 8  8`   ***]&!%` x` x 8  8`   Q....[D]idsheunderstandwhatyouweretellingher?/(#'` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,becauseIaskedherwasthis[havingtherentalproceeds *Q%)  depositeddirectlytothebanktoserviceherindebtednessandtogive *:&* hersomeincome]okayandshesaid, Yes,this[rentalincome]is  morethanIveevergotten.` x` x  8  8`   Q.Myquestiontoyouis:Inyourjudgment,youmadethese k statementstoher,youexplainedallthistoheraccordingtowhat T youresaying,anddidsheunderstandwhatyousaidtoher?= ` x` x 8  8`   A.Ibelieveshedid,yes. _` x` x 8  8`   Q.DidsheunderstandwhatMr.Hallsaidtoher? 1 ` x` x 8  8`   A.Ibelieveshedid,yes. ` x` x 8  8`   *** ` x` x 8  8`   Q.Youthinkyouhadherconvincednottosellthefarm,correct?W ` x` x 8  8`   A.Shefeltlikeshedidnothavetosellthefarm.Sheunderstoodthe )y facts,andduetothat,shedidnthavetosellthefarm.b` x` x 8  8`   Q.Sheunderstoodthefacts,sheunderstoodexactlywhatyouwere 4 tellingherandwhatherrightswereandallthat,correct?` x` x 8  8`   A.Right.` x` x   ItwaswiththisknowledgethatBlancheGibsonexecutedthe1994QuitclaiminOctoberof q thatyear.ThefactthatBlancheGibsonwasawareofheroptionsattheSpring1994meeting,and Z thefactthatshemadeadecisionatthattimetodeposittheKellyfamilyrentdirectlytothebankto C serviceherdebtsandtoprovidehersomeincome,negatestheAppellantsclaimthatJimmyGibson ,| fraudulentlyinducedhismothertotransfertheLandtohiminOctober.Generallyinanactionfor e fraud,theremustbeproofofafalserepresentationofanexistingorpastmaterialfact.Thefalse N representationmusthavebeenmadeknowinglywithoutbeliefinitstruthorrecklessly.Someperson  7 musthavereasonablyreliedonitandsufferedsomedamageasaresultofthereliance. Pusserv. !   Gordon ,684S.W.2d639(Tenn.Ct.App.1984).Fraudinvolvesdeceptionandifoneknowsthe " ! truth,andisnotdeceived,heisnotdefrauded. Freemanv.Citizens'Nat'lBank ,167Tenn.399,70 #" S.W.2d25(1934).Thegravamenoffraud,then,isdeceptionand,intheinstantcase,ifany $# deceptionexistedastowhetheritwasnecessaryforBlancheGibsontodivestherselfoftheLand, w% $ itwasclearedupasearlyasSpringof1994,whichwaswellbeforetheexecutionofthe1994 `&!% Quitclaim. I'"&   AppellantsalsocontendthatthetrialcourterredinfindingthatBlancheGibsonreceived )k$( independentadvicebeforeexecutingthe1994Quitclaim.Itiswellsettledthatonewaytoprove *T%) thefairnessofthetransactionistoshowthatthegrantorhadthebenefitofcompetent,independent *=&* adviceontheadvisabilityofmakingthegiftorconveyance. Richmondv.Christian ,555S.W.2d +&'+ 105,107-08(Tenn.1977).However,thisadviceneednotbecontemporaneouswithorimmediately  precedingthegiftorconveyance. Brownv.Weik ,725S.W.2d938,945(Tenn.Ct.App.1983).In   Turnerv.Leathers ,191Tenn.292,232S.W.2d269(1950),theTennesseeSupremeCourt  discussedthecontentandextentofindependentadvicenecessarytoovercomethepresumptionof m invalidity: V 8  8`   Properindependentadviceinthisconnectionmeansthatthedonor ( x hadthe[preliminary]benefitofconferringfullyandprivatelyupon  a thesubjectofhisintendedgiftwithapersonwhowasnotonly  J competenttoinformhimcorrectlyastoitslegaleffect,butwhowas  3  furthermoresodisassociatedfromtheinterestsofthedoneeastobe    inapositiontoadvisewiththedonorimpartiallyandconfidentlyas   totheconsequencestohimselfofhisproposedbenefactions. ` x` x  Id .at297-98,232S.W.2dat271(citationsomitted).Theruleofindependentadvicemeansthatthe p  advisermustnotonlybecompetentbutindependent. Id .at297,232S.W.2dat271.BarnettHall, Z  whowaspresentattheSpring1994meeting,testified,inrelevantpart,asfollows: D 8  8`   Q.Ofcourse,asyou[Mr.Hall]putit,youdidnthaveadoginthat f fight[thedisputebetweenJimmyGibsonandtheAppellants],you O wereindependent,right?Imean,they[theAppellants]weresaying 8 thatsomethingwaswrongandyouwerejustrepresentingthebank ! andyouwerejustthereasanindependent? ` x` x 8  8`   A.Iguessthebankwasmydog.` x` x 8  8`   Q.WhatImsayingis,youwerentinvolvedinthedisputebetween ^ anyoftheGibsons?G` x` x 8  8`   A.No,no.i` x` x 8  8`   Q.Youwerejustindependentfromthem,correct? ;` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes." !` x` x 8  8`   Q.IfIunderstandit,youtalkedwiththemandyouexplainedtoall $# ofthemtherethattheycouldworkoutsomekindofdealwherepart x% $ ofthemoneyfromtherentwouldbepaidontheloanandpartofit a&!% wouldgotoMs.Gibson;isthatit?J'"&` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes.Iwasinterestedintheloangettingpaid,ofcourse,andI )l$( mean,Icanttellyoutotallyeverything,butIthink,youknow,we *U%) weregladtodowhateverthatwouldhelpthemallgetsatisfied.*>&*` x` x  +''+ 8  8`   Q.Iunderstand.ButwhatImsayingis,youwerenttakingaside  ofeitheroftheproblem?` x` x 8  8`   A.No,sir.k` x` x 8  8`   Q.Youweresimplyexplainingitfromanindependentstandpointof =  whatshecoulddoifshewantedtotakethisrentandapplyittothe & v loan,correct? _` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir.... 1 ` x` x 8  8`   *** ` x` x 8  8`   Q.Youthinkshehadacompleteunderstandingofwhatyouwere   talkingabout?n ` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir.Ittookheralittlewhile.@` x` x 8  8`   Q.Allright.ButImjustasking!itsprettycomplextome,too.b` x` x 8  8`   A.Uhhuh.4` x` x 8  8`   Q.Butyouthinksheunderstoodwhatyouweretalkingabout?` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes.` x` x AlthoughBlancheGibsondidnotreceiveindependentadvicecontemporaneouswiththesigningof Z the1994Quitclaim,theevidenceisclearthatshedidreceiveindependentadviceintheSpringof C 1994fromBarnettHallandBillGibson.Atthetimeofthesigningofthe1994Quitclaim,in ,| October,StacyNorthcotttestifiedthatBlancheGibsonunderstoodwhatshewassigning,towit: e 8  8`   Q.Okay.Soyouexplainedtoherexactlywhatshewassigning? 7` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir." !` x` x 8  8`   Q.Didsheindicatetoyouthatsheunderstoodit?$#` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir.]&!%` x` x 8  8`   Q.Wereyousatisfiedinyourownmindthatshedidunderstandit?/(#'` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir.*Q%)` x` x   *:&* 8  8`   Q.DidyouexplainwhatthatmeantbyRESERVATIONOFLIFE   ESTATE?` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes.k` x` x 8  8`   Q.AndREMAINDERINTEREST,too?= ` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir. _` x` x 8  8`   Q.Soyouexplainedallthattoher,andyourbestjudgment,she  1  understoodit?  ` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir. ` x` x 8  8`   Q.Andyourbestjudgment,shewascapableofsigningthatdeed?n ` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir.@` x` x   TheevidenceinrecordsupportsafindingthatBlancheGibsonunderstoodthenatureofthe b transactionandwascapableofexecutingthe1994Quitclaim.ThefactthatJimmyGibsonrequested K Mr.Acreesofficetopreparetheinstrumentisnotextraordinaryinthecontextofthisrecordsince 4 JimmyGibsonhelpedhismotherinmanyofherfinancialandbusinesstransactions,afactthatBill  Gibsonaffirmedinhistestimony: Jimmywasalwaystheonethattookcareofher,youknow,the  farmandthefinancialsituationthatshehad.IntermsofJimmyGibsonsallegedsecretivenessin  havingthe1994Quitclaimexecuted,wefindthattherecorddoesnotsupportsuchafinding.The  recordindicatesthatJimmyGibsondidnotusuallydiscussanybusinessconcerningtheLandwith q hissiblings.Heemployedalocalattorneytodraftthedeedandherecordeditthedayafteritwas Z signed.Whenviewedinthecontextoftheentirerecord,theevidencedoesnotpreponderateagainst C thetrialcourt'sfindingthatJimmyGibsonsactionssurroundingtheprocurementofthe1994 ,| Quitclaimarenotsosuspiciousastosupportafindingofundueinfluence. e   Fortheforegoingreasons,weaffirmthe FinalDecreeofthetrialcourt.Costsofthis  7 appealareassessedtotheAppellants,BillGibson,ClydeGibson,VivianGibsonSummar,Pam !   GibsonClark,RobertJ.Gibson,Jr.,andtheirrespectivesureties.     " ! #ܑXX' #X'Xܑ   `     h   __________________________________________ ]&!%    `     h   W.FRANKCRAWFORD,PRESIDINGJUDGE,W.S. F'"&