Opinion ID: 1314187
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: standard of review

Text: [1,2] Appeals of matters arising under the Nebraska Probate Code, Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 30-2201 through 30-2902 (Reissue 1995 & Cum. Supp. 2004), are reviewed for error on the record. In re Estate of Rosso, ante p. 323, 701 N.W.2d 355 (2005). When reviewing a judgment for errors appearing on the record, the inquiry is whether the decision conforms to the law, is supported by competent evidence, and is neither arbitrary, capricious, nor unreasonable. Id. [3,4] An appeal from the county court's allowance or disallowance of a claim in probate will be heard as an appeal from an action at law. See In re Estate of Matteson, 267 Neb. 497, 675 N.W.2d 366 (2004). In reviewing a judgment of the probate court in a law action, an appellate court does not reweigh evidence, but considers the evidence in the light most favorable to the successful party and resolves evidentiary conflicts in favor of the successful party, who is entitled to every reasonable inference deducible from the evidence. See In re Estate of Krumwiede, 264 Neb. 378, 647 N.W.2d 625 (2002). The probate court's factual findings have the effect of a verdict and will not be set aside unless clearly erroneous. See id. On a question of law, however, an appellate court is obligated to reach a conclusion independent of the determination reached by the court below. Id.