Q: Can I sue a deceased person in small claims court if the probate has just been initiated?
The deceased person never fulfilled their obligation, and we signed a contract. She was the sole owner of the business and the probate process has just been initiated by her husband. The administrator has been assigned yet either. Could I still sue her business and her estate in small claims court?
A: The short answer is no - because there's no one alive to sue, and until someone is appointed to represent her estate, there is no one with authority to act for her. Once some one is appointed as executor or administrator, you can make a claim against the estate, and sue the executor or administrator of the estate in that capacity.
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