In Re the Estate of Larson

This case concerns a dispute over attorney fees incurred in the probate of an estate. We hold that, in establishing the reasonableness of an attorney fee based on hours multiplied by an hourly rate, probate attorneys must offer evidence not only that the hourly rate was reasonable *519but also that the hours spent were necessary in processing the estate. Further, attorneys in probate are not entitled to an additional fee out of the estate in proving the reasonableness of their fees.

Proceedings Below

Carl Larson died intestate on January 27, 1979 in Pierce County. The decedent's cousin, Ivan O.…