Opinion ID: 1184920
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Fees Allowed to Executors

Text: Appellants say Maurer and Garst, acting both as executors and attorneys, were entitled to only $3,150.10 whereas they received executors' and attorneys' fees in the total sum of $6,700.38. The appellee contends, in answer to this claim, that Maurer and Garst did special work in addition to that required of them as attorneys for the estate; that they accounted for a larger estate than appellants admit; and that such attorneys were not overpaid in the settlement of the estate. In any event, the appellee points out, the Ferguson estate was settled, distributed and closed more than seven years before the present action was initiated; that all payments made to the executors for services as such, and for services as attorneys, were confirmed and approved by the probate court. There has been no order in the probate court setting aside or modifying anything such court did. We need not decide whether the fees allowed to Maurer and Garst were in fact proper or excessive. No complaint can be made in this area in the present lawsuit because the probate court's decree approving the fees and expenses paid became final and cannot be attacked, except in the probate court, or in an action wherein either the executors or their representatives are parties. What we have already said, in our discussion relative to the subject of interest, demonstrates that the attack upon the payment of fees and expenses is a collateral one and cannot prevail in the absence of a suit or proceeding against the executors or their personal representatives, and in the absence of such executors or their representatives being made a party to the suit. No further authority for this proposition is needed. Motion was made to dismiss appellants' appeal because of violation of Supreme Court Rule 12. We find a lack of adherence to the requirements of Rule 12(b) and (c), which fully justifies the dismissal of the appeal under the general powers of this court. Dinkelspeel v. Lewis, 50 Wyo. 380, 62 P.2d 294, 65 P.2d 246; 5 C.J.S. Appeal and Error § 1316, p. 239 ff. However, any such ruling would be academic in the light of our disposition of the case on its merits. Appellants have not shown themselves entitled to any of the relief claimed in connection with their appeal, and the judgment of the district court must be upheld. Affirmed.