Consumer Law, Warranties Cemetary rights

[obx1022]

My dad's relatives donated land for a church and cemetary a very long time ago. There was a verbal agreement saying that anyone who wishes to be buried there could be at no cost. This has been fine until a new pastor came into the church recently and said there would now be a "maintenance fee" for anyone that wishes to be buried there now !! Does he have any rights to do so? My dad has spoken to all of the past pastors there and they all agree that he shouldn't be able to do this. Dad even spoke to one of the first pastors there and he even remembers reading papers stating this but they can't be found now. Any advice, other than take it to court??!!:no:

 

[dee_dub]

A verbal (really, an oral) agreement is just as binding as a written one. It may be harder to prove, but that doesn't appear to be an obstacle in these circumstances.

The recipient of a gift in perpetuity that comes with strings attached can apply to court to have the strings removed. They can't just do it unilaterally without the court's permission, but they can do it.

There might be a question of whether your pastor is the proper person within your church to seek to make the change. Check your constituting documents to see who has that power.