Cecil is a wealthy elderly gentleman who lives in Sydney. He rings his sister Carol who lives in Canada and says that if she comes out to look after him in his latter years he will leave his house and other assets to her. The house and other assets are worth over $10 million.

Carol agrees over the telephone and then sells her house in Canada and also quits her job in Canada. She arrives in Sydney and looks after Cecil doing all the chores around the considerable sized house.

Everything goes well for two years until they have a bitter argument and Cecil says he will not leave any assets to her and no longer requires her services.

Advise Carol

a) Is there a legally enforceable agreement?

b) What factors will the court consider?

c) Which cases are relevant to the arguments?

d) If Cecil was an alcoholic and claims that he made the offer to Carol after he had two bottles of wine would that change your answer?