Opinion ID: 1996671
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Our review in this case is governed by The Code 1966, Section 633.33.

Text: Nature of proceedings in probate. Actions to set aside or contest wills, for the involuntary appointment of guardians and conservators, and for the establishment of contested claims shall be triable in probate as law actions, and all other matters triable in probate shall be tried by the probate court as a proceeding in equity. Attorneys' and executors' fees are included in the definition of Costs of Administration, Code § 633.3(8), and a proceeding involving cost of administration is not one for establishment of contested claims. In re Estate of Cory, 184 N.W. 2d 693, 696-697 (Iowa). It therefore follows a hearing on allowance of attorneys' fees stands in equity, being thus reviewable de novo. Iowa R.Civ.P. 334, 344(f) (7). II. Allowance of fiduciaries' and attorneys' compensation for services rendered in the administration of an estate is governed by statute. See Code §§ 633.197-633.204. Controlling here is Code § 633.199, which states: Such further allowances as are just and reasonable may be made by the court to personal representatives and their attorneys for actual necessary and extraordinary expenses or services. Necessary and extraordinary services shall be construed to also include services in connection with real estate, tax matters, and litigated matters. When fees for extraordinary services are claimed, the burden is upon claimant to show both the necessity and value of the services alleged to have been so rendered. In re Estate of Cory, supra, 184 N.W.2d at 698; In re Estate of Lorenz, 244 Iowa 338, 342, 56 N.W.2d 884, and citations; Glynn v. Cascade State Bank, 227 Iowa 932, 937, 289 N.W. 722; In re Estate of Morgan, 225 Iowa 746, 749, 281 N.W. 346. Also in that regard considerable discretion is left to trial court in the allowance or nonallowance of attorneys' fees. In re Estate of Law, 253 Iowa 599, 605, 113 N.W.2d 233; In re Trust of Larkin, 243 Iowa 322, 327, 51 N.W.2d 396, and citations.