The court found that the respondent, having received the decretal sum as the applicants' advocate, was obligated to release the funds to them less any agreed legal fees. The respondent's claim of holding the money as a trustee pending distribution of the deceased's estate was baseless, as the applicants were entitled to the funds as successful litigants and legal representatives. The preliminary objection was dismissed as it did not raise a pure point of law relevant to the suit. The respondent's conduct in withholding the funds was unjustified and contrary to the standards of honesty and integrity required of advocates. The court ordered the respondent to release the remaining decretal sum, less the amount already paid and less 30% agreed legal fees, to the applicants' current advocates within 30 days, failing which interest at court rates would apply. Costs were awarded to the applicants.