Opinion ID: 2032938
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: claim provisions of nebraska probate code

Text: Finally, we consider Lawrence's contention that Gertrude and Norwest were barred from exercising their purchase options by their failure to comply with the claim provisions of the Nebraska Probate Code. Lawrence relies upon § 30-2485, which provides, in relevant part: (a) All claims against a decedent's estate which arose before the death of the decedent, including claims of the state and any subdivision thereof, whether due or to become due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, founded on contract, tort, or other legal basis, if not barred earlier by other statute of limitations, are barred against the estate, the personal representative, and the heirs and devisees of the decedent, unless presented as follows: (1) Within two months after the date of the first publication of notice to creditors if notice is given in compliance with sections 25-520.01 and 30-2483, except that claims barred by the nonclaim statute at the decedent's domicile before the first publication for claims in this state are also barred in this state. If any creditor has a claim against a decedent's estate which arose before the death of the decedent and which was not presented within the time allowed by this subdivision, including any creditor who did not receive notice, such creditor may apply to the court within sixty days after the expiration date provided in this subdivision for additional time and the court, upon good cause shown, may allow further time not to exceed thirty days; (2) Within three years after the decedent's death if notice to creditors has not been given in compliance with sections 25-520.01 and 30-2483. Even assuming that the exercise of the Agreement was a claim within the meaning of § 30-2485(a)a matter we do not decidewe find that the record establishes that Lawrence failed to comply with the notice provisions of Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 25-520.01 and 30-2483 (Reissue 1995). The record establishes that Lawrence was aware of the existence of the Agreement and of the identity of the parties holding the options at the time of John's death. The Affidavit of Mailing Notice contained in the record, however, indicates that neither the Crosbys nor Norwest was notified as required by §§ 25-520.01 and 30-2483. As such notice was not given, Gertrude and Norwest were required to present their claims to the estate within 3 years of John's death. See In re Estate of Emery, 258 Neb. 789, 606 N.W.2d 750 (2000). One of the means by which a claim may be presented is by the commencement of a proceeding against the personal representative in any court which has subject matter jurisdiction. See Neb.Rev.Stat. § 30-2486 (Reissue 1995). In the instant case, John died on December 2, 1994, and Gertrude and Norwest's amended petition, specifically seeking ownership of the stock, was filed on August 22, 1997. Even assuming that the exercise of the options under the Agreement was a claim within the meaning of § 30-2485(a), we find that Gertrude and Norwest presented their claims within the 3-year period allowed by the statute. Lawrence's assignment of error is therefore without merit.