In re the Estate of McLaughlin

*1052The underlying facts are more fully set forth in this Court’s prior decision in this matter (78 AD3d 1304 [2010]). Briefly, petitioner commenced this proceeding pursuant to SCPA 1809 to resolve a claim filed by respondent against decedent’s estate seeking the return of various collectibles purportedly gifted to her by decedent and Fahime Lily McLaughlin — decedent’s ex-wife and respondent’s aunt. In June 2011, the parties participated in settlement negotiations before Surrogate’s Court; respondent, who is a resident of California, was not present but was represented by counsel. As set forth…