Opinion ID: 1177756
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: effect of closing of estate

Text: The district court referred in its findings to the fact that appellant made no objection to the closing of the estate and distribution of assets and it indicated that such closing and distribution was an additional reason for dismissing appellant's replevin action. Although a decree of distribution is final and conclusive as to who acquired title to property of decedent, it is subject to any outstanding title in third persons.    While a decree of distribution is conclusive as to the rights of heirs, legatees, or devisees, insofar as they claim in such capacities, it does not determine that the deceased had any title to property distributed; nor does it bind third persons who claim an interest adverse to that of the intestate or testator. It merely determines the succession or testamentary disposition of such title as the decedent may have had.    Shelton v. Vance, 106 Cal. App.2d 194, 234 P.2d 1012, 1014 (1951). See also Romagnolo v. Romagnolo, 230 Cal. App.2d 315, 40 Cal. Rptr. 807, 811 (1964) Appellant's replevin action was filed June 11, 1979. The decree of distribution was entered July 16, 1979. The judgment dismissing the replevin action was entered September 10, 1979. Thus, the replevin action was pending at the time the estate was closed. It cannot be said that appellant was not objecting to the distribution of the guns. The dismissal of the complaint is reversed and the matter is remanded for further proceedings in accordance with this opinion.