Case Name: Merritt's Will. In the matter of the probate of the will of Annie P. Merritt, deceased
Court: New York Surrogate's Court
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1887-08
Citations: 5 Dem. Sur. 544
Docket Number: 
Parties: Merritt’s Will. In the matter of the probate of the will of Annie P. Merritt, deceased.
Judges: 
Reporter: Demarest's Surrogate's Reports
Volume: 5
Pages: 544–546

Head Matter:
Westchester County.
Hon. OWEN T. COFFIN, Surrogate.
August, 1887.
Merritt’s Will. In the matter of the probate of the will of Annie P. Merritt, deceased.
A citation, to an infant under fourteen, residing in another State, should be directed to be served personally at least thirty days before the return day, or by publication. A proposal to cause the party and his guardian to be brought into this State, in order to effect a shorter service, will not be approved.
The petition, presented with a view to obtain a citation requiring the proper persons to attend the probate of the will of decedent, stated the jurisdictional facts, and also the names and places of residence of the heirs at law and next of kin. One of these was a minor, under fourteen years of age, residing with its father at Greenwich, in the state of Connecticut. The others were of full age, residing in Westchester county. It was asked, on behalf of the petitioner, that a citation, returnable within fourteen days, be issued; he suggesting that he would procure the father to bring the minor within the county, when the citation should be served upon them, at least eight days before the return day thereof.
A. 0. Brows', for petitioner.

Opinion:
The Surrogate.
The petition very properly stated the ages and places of residence of the parties. This is essential, in order that the court may fix the return day of the citation. • If the petition had not stated such facts, an affidavit on the subject would have been required (Code Civ. Pro., § 2518; Redf. Surr. Pr. [3d ed.], 149). If it appear that all of the persons to be cited reside in the county of the Surrogate or an adjoining county, a return day will be fixed so that the same may be served at least eight days prior thereto; if in any other county of the State, so that the service may be made at least fifteen days before the return day; and if out of the State, such a return day must be fixed as to enable personal service thereof at least thirty days before the return day, or a return day fixed at least six weeks in advance, in order that service may be made by publication, etc. Although perhaps not strictly necessary, an order for the issuing of the citation is usually entered, but an order should be entered where the service is to be made by publication. The only guide the Surrogate has, by which to fix the return day, is the place of residence stated in the petition. Hence, if the resi dence is stated to be in another State, the only proper course would seem to be to make the order for personal service thirty days before the return day, or by publication.
It would appear to be irregular, in fixing a return day, to be influenced by a promise to bring the party within the county in order that a service of eight days might be effected. Section 2520 of the Code provides how service, within the State, shall be made. " A citation shall be so served, if within the county of the Surrogate, or an adjoining county, eight days," etc. This, I take it, means where the petition shows the residence to be in the county of the Surrogate or an adjoining county. The non-resident is entitled to the length of time which the statute awards him, although he be served while passing through the county. A minor can waive no rights, and it would seem improper, if not illegal to bring it into the county to subject it to process. ' Of course, adults, wherever their residence may be, may waive legal service, or may volunteer an appearance, so as to confer jurisdiction. Minors cannot.
Application denied.