Opinion ID: 1795131
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Final Order of Distribution

Text: Appellants contend that the probate court lacked jurisdiction to grant attorneys' fees, which were granted in the February 27, 2002, order of final distribution. Appellants argue that the fees were granted based upon work done with respect to the trusts created by Mr. Seay, Sr.'s will and that only a chancery court has jurisdiction over construction, operation, and interpretation of trusts. Appellants argue that this is a question of subject-matter jurisdiction and attempt, in their argument, which is extremely broad, to revert back to issues litigated in the 1980s on this issue. As stated above, appellants are limited by our prior opinion to fees granted after the November 29, 1999, order. As such, the only period for which the Seays can contest this issue is from the November 29, 1999, order involved in our 2000 decision and the closing of the estate on February 27, 2002. The only order after November 29, 1999, granting fees is the November 15, 2001, order which, like the other orders discussed above, is not included in the addendum, abstract, or even in the record. The only copy appears as an exhibit to the appellants' response to appellees' motion to dismiss this appeal. This copy does not comply with our rules. See Ark. R.App. Pro.Civ. 6, 7. Moreover, the final order of distribution merely confirms that final distribution has been made in accordance with previous orders, which are not included for this Court's consideration. We have stated time and time again that it is the appellant's burden to produce a record on appeal sufficient for our review. Gibbs v. Hensley, 345 Ark. 179, 44 S.W.3d 334 (2001); Lee v. Villines, 328 Ark. 189, 942 S.W.2d 844 (1997); Ozark Auto Transp., Inc. v. Starkey, 327 Ark. 227, 937 S.W.2d 175 (1997); see also Warnock v. Warnock, 336 Ark. 506, 988 S.W.2d 7 (1999); SD Leasing Inc. v. RNF Corp., 278 Ark. 530, 647 S.W.2d 447 (1983). The record simply does not place the matters argued before this Court. Issues outside the record will not be considered on appeal. Gibbs v. Hensley, supra ; Stewart v. Winfrey, 308 Ark. 277, 824 S.W.2d 373 (1992). For all of the foregoing reasons, we do not have a sufficient record before us to consider the issues appealed. As such, the case is affirmed. Affirmed.