In Re SHIELDS ESTATE

Respondent State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company appeals as of right the probate court’s order requiring it to pay attorney fees incurred by petitioner as conservator of his minor daughter’s estate. We reverse.

Elizabeth Shields was an infant when she suffered injuries in an automobile-related accident. Respondent, which insured her father Walter’s vehicle, paid her medical expenses and has been paying for her care as part of the family’s personal injury protection (pip) benefits. A claim against the driver of the vehicle that struck Elizabeth was also settled, resulting in a payment…