Opinion ID: 1584675
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Ross Estate

Text: In March 2002, James Ross hired Rickabaugh to probate the estate of his mother, Wilma Ross. Although much of the work for the estate remained to be done, Ross (a co-executor) wrote a check payable to Rickabaugh for $7386. This amount represented 100% of Rickabaugh's fees and expenses. Rickabaugh did not file an application with the probate court for allowance and payment of fees. After we suspended Rickabaugh's license, he did not withdraw as counsel nor did he notify the executors of his suspension. In a letter dated June 3, 2004, Rickabaugh informed a co-executor that [d]ue to declining health I will not be able to finish the estate. In the same letter, Rickabaugh stated he would make an appropriate refund of the fee ASAP. Rickabaugh refunded the estate $5675 in March 2005.