What Happens When you File a Claim against a Probated Estate?

When someone passes away, the assets in their sole name and debts must go through the process of probate before assets can be distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries. Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, which includes identifying and collecting the assets, paying off any debts, paying claims or objecting to claims, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs.

In Alabama, the probate process is overseen by the probate court and can be complex, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the legal system. One aspect of probate that may come into play is the filing of claims against a probated estate. If you are dealing with this situation, it is best to work with an attorney and firm that has extensive experience helping their clients bring these types of cases to a successful conclusion.

What is a Probated Estate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, which includes identifying and collecting the assets, paying off any debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs. The process is overseen by the probate court, which has the authority to ensure that the deceased person’s wishes, as outlined in their will, are carried out.

A probated estate refers to the assets and debts that are being settled during the probate process. This includes any real estate, personal property, financial accounts, and other assets that the deceased person owned at the time of their death. It also includes any outstanding debts or liabilities that the deceased person had. The purpose of the probate process is to ensure that the assets and debts of the estate are distributed according to the deceased person’s will or, if there is no will, according to the laws of intestate succession in the state of Alabama.

It’s important to note that not all assets and property of a decedent are subject to probate. Assets that have a designated beneficiary, such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and transfer-on-death accounts, bypass probate court and go directly to the designated beneficiary. The same is true with trusts.

The timeline for the probate process in Alabama can vary depending on the complexity of the estate but, generally, the law states all estates must be open for six months.  The personal representative must provide notice to the heirs of the probate proceedings, and they have the opportunity to object to the will or the personal representative’s actions.

Creditors also have a specific time frame to file claims against the estate. Once all debts and claims have been paid, the personal representative can distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs and file a final report with the court to close the probate.

Filing a Claim Against a Probated Estate in Alabama

Filing a claim against a probated estate is the process by which a creditor can seek payment for a debt owed by the deceased person. In order to file a claim, the creditor must be able to prove that the debt is legitimate and that they are entitled to payment from the estate.

In Alabama, any person or entity with a valid claim against the estate can file. This includes creditors, such as credit card companies or medical providers, as well as government agencies for unpaid taxes. The deadline for filing a claim is set by the probate court and generally falls up to six months from the date of the deceased person’s estate being opened in probate court.

When filing a claim, the creditor must provide the probate court with certain documentation, including the deceased person’s name, the amount of the debt, and proof of the amount. The creditor may also be required to provide evidence of the debt, such as a copy of the bill or invoice.

If the personal representative of the probated estate disputes the claim, the creditor may need to present evidence to support it, such as bills, invoices, or contracts. In the event of a dispute, the probate court will make a decision on the validity of the claim and the amount that will be paid, if any.

Potential Outcomes of Filing a Claim

When a claim is filed against a probated estate in Alabama, there are several potential outcomes that can occur. This will depend on the validity of the claim and the assets available in the estate to pay it.

One potential outcome is that the claim is approved and the creditor is paid the full or partial amount of the debt from the assets of the probated estate. The personal representative of the estate is responsible for paying off the approved claims before distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs.

Another potential outcome is that the claim is denied, either in whole or in part. As we talked about earlier, the personal representative may dispute the claim, arguing that the debt is not legitimate or that the estate does not have sufficient assets to pay the claim. In such cases, the court will decide whether to approve or deny it, taking into consideration the evidence presented by both parties.

The process of filing a claim against a probated estate in Alabama can be complicated and difficult to pursue. For this reason, it’s recommended to seek legal advice before proceeding and to be aware that the outcome may vary depending on the validity of the claim and other specific circumstances.

Southern Alabama Probate Attorneys Can Help with Claims Against a Probated Estate

Whether you are filing a claim against a probated estate or you need to dispute a claim that has been filed, the attorneys at Stone Crosby, P.C. can provide the legal guidance you need. Our firm has served southern Alabama for over a century, and we have the experience, skills, knowledge, and commitment to ensure that our clients are in the best possible position to secure a positive outcome.

Call our Daphne, AL office today at (251) 626-6696 or message us online to set up a personalized consultation with a member of our legal team.