In Re Estate of Watson

Severs, Judge.

This appeal concerns whether attorney fees can be paid to a law firm notwithstanding that the firm withdrew from representation due to a conflict of interest. The county court approved the fees, but for the reasons set forth below, we modify the judgment.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

The material facts are undisputed. Clara M. Watson, a widow with no living children, owned farmland which she rented to the Les Stephenson family, among other tenants. Beginning in 1972 and continuing to her death, Clara was represented by Frank Heinisch, and later Jerry Anderson, of the Heinisch law firm. The…