In Re Estate of Whitmore

On November 8, 1977, the deceased, Paul W. Whitmore, executed a will leaving his estate to his son Donald Whitmore and three grandchildren, William Whitmore, Rose Mary Boyd and Rita Dunbar. This will replaced an earlier will that left the entire estate to Donald Whitmore. Upon the death of Paul W. Whitmore, the 1977 will was admitted to probate and William Whitmore was named executor. Donald Whitmore then filed an action to contest the will.

In defending the will, the three grandchildren hired attorney Harry Van Horsten who engaged David N. Brown as co-counsel. A contingent fee contract was…