Davies v Davies [2014]

Facts

• The claimant worked on her parents farm, and was paid for milking the cows
• The claimant did far more than this, under the assurance that the farm would one day be hers

Issue

• Had the claimant suffered detriment capable of giving rise of proprietary estoppel?

Decision

• Yes

Reasoning

• This case re-confirmed that proprietary estoppel requires an assurance made to the claimant, reasonable reliance and detriment, none of which were to be ‘treated in watertight containers’
• By taking a wage cut, and then significantly contributing to the success of the farm, the claimant has suffered detriment
• Her award would be decided at a later hearing