A promise about land made without any deed or written contract can still create enforceable rights, and proprietary estoppel is the doctrine that makes this possible. This chapter opens with the nature of the doctrine and the core elements a claimant must prove, then examines each in turn: the assurance, including promises of future inheritance and assurances made by conduct; and reliance and detriment, with the burden of proof and the weighing of countervailing benefits. It then considers the overarching role of unconscionability and how estoppel sidesteps the statutory formalities for land contracts, before turning to the court's flexible approach to remedies, the role of proportionality, and whether the equity binds estates and purchasers. It closes by distinguishing proprietary estoppel from the common intention constructive trust, with which it is often pleaded in the alternative.
