Opinion ID: 1439162
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: allowance of any compensation

Text: The second issue addressed is any allowance of compensation for the receiver although authorized pursuant to W.R.C.P. 53(a) where, after part or total performance, the designee is withdrawn on the basis of disqualification. We will decide this case on the narrow basis presented that arguable cause for disqualification was equally known to both litigants before district court action. If a litigant is to object to naming a particular person, objection becomes untimely where, after notice, the order of deputation is entered without objection. Correspondence in this record, written substantially in advance of any district court action, detailed the litigants' mutual understanding about the appointment of a master, the designation of Sargent and the husband's fee payment responsibility. As illustrative, a letter from counsel for wife to counsel for husband dated more than a month before the district court action stated: I have discussed with Mickii Palm our proposal to allow Ron Sargent to be appointed Master in this matter with regard to the disposition of personal property. It is my understanding that Mr. Sargent would accompany Mr. and Mrs. Palm to the farmhouse in Albin and the barn in Nebraska and determine which items are in dispute with regard to their disposition. Each party would be able to take the items which the other party agrees belong to him or her. Mr. Sargent would make a list of the disputed items and make a recommendation to the Court with regard to the ultimate disposition of these items. Mickii Palm is willing to agree to the appointment of Mr. Sargent as Master for the purposes set forth above. It is our further understanding that the Court would order Mr. Palm to pay the costs associated with Mr. Sargent's activities as a Master. If this arrangement is agreeable with your client, please prepare the necessary Stipulation and provide it to me for signature. Thank you. Since the facts relating to the cause for potential objection or disqualification were known to both parties in advance of the district court designation, we conclude their agreement for payment of costs of services rendered after the master's appointment continued until district court removal. Sharp, 671 P.2d 317. W.R.C.P. 53 provides the district court's general authority to approve a fee payment which was exercised by the district court order entered, leaving the reasonableness of the amount provided remaining.