A dead person owes me money, how do I file a claim?
If a dead person owes you money, you may be able to file a claim against their estate to recover the debt. Here are the general steps you can take:
Find out if the deceased person had a will. If they did, the will may specify who is in charge of handling their affairs after death (the executor), and how their assets and debts should be distributed. You can contact the executor to discuss your claim.
If the deceased person did not have a will, you can contact the probate court in the county where they lived to find out who has been appointed to handle their estate. You can also check the local newspaper for a notice of the person's death, which may include information about the estate and who is in charge of handling it.
File a claim with the estate. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim, such as a copy of the contract or agreement that shows the debt is owed, invoices or receipts for goods or services provided, or any other relevant paperwork.
Wait for the claim to be reviewed. The executor or administrator of the estate will review your claim and determine if it is valid. If they believe the claim is valid, they may offer to pay you out of the assets of the estate. If they do not agree that the claim is valid, you may need to work with an attorney to dispute their decision.
Attend the probate hearing. If there is a dispute over your claim, you may need to attend a hearing in probate court to argue your case. The judge will review the evidence and make a decision on whether your claim should be paid.
It's important to note that there may be time limits for filing a claim against an estate, so it's a good idea to act quickly to protect your rights. If you are unsure about how to proceed, you may wish to consult with an attorney who specializes in probate and estate law.
