In re Estate of Harrison

1 This matter comes before us on cross-appeals from a final decree of the orphans court of Montgomery County. Joel Every, Executor of the Estate of Sigmund S. Harrison, Deceased, (the Executor) appeals a portion of the decree that subjected him to a surcharge equal to a fee he accepted from counsel for the Estate in exchange for referral of litigation in which the Estate became involved. Beneficiaries Harriet Richardson and Lydia Harrison appeal a portion of the decree that sustained payment of the Executors commission and affirmed sums paid to the Executors wife for services she rendered as a rental agent for Estate properties. They assert as well that the Executors commission was excessive. We conclude that the record supports the orphans courts rulings and, in the Executors appeal, establishes the propriety of the sanction. Consequently, we affirm the courts order entering the adjudication and decree nisi as the final decree.