Court Opinion

ID: 9738784
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 20:02:39.752803+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:08.397426
License: Public Domain

Black, J.
(concurring in affirmance). This action for damages, counting on negligence committed by defendant’s decedent, originated in the circuit court —not the probate court. It depends on no claim filed in probate and was expressly authorized by the 1939 amendment which, for the first time, provided a choice of remedies for the possessor of a right of action in “trespass on the case” against a person whose death has occurred after the right has arisen. See section 22 of chapter 8 of the probate code of *3451939 (CL 1948, § 708.22 [Stat Ann 1943 Rev § 27.3178 (432)]) and In re Chamberlain’s Estate, 298 Mich 278, 287.
The defendant moved to dismiss, alleging completed probate of the deceased tortfeasor’s estate and denial of &• legally suable status on her part. The motion was denied and defendant has appealed.
The only question requiring present determination is whether the defendant is a suable fiduciary under CL 1948, §708.22 (Stat Ann 1943 Rev §27.3178 [432]). We all agree that she is and will remain so until her decedent’s estate is actually closed as provided in the probate code. We are agreed, too, that the estate has not as yet been closed for want of a probate order of closing.
Plaintiff’s claim as filed in probate, alleging the same, cause, is not before us. It has not, either as to merit, statutory timeliness, or dismissibility, come to test either in probate or circuit. Its disposition remains the initial responsibility of the court where filed.
Plaintiff’s point that continued negotiations for adjustment, proceeding as same were between plaintiff and the decedent’s liability insurer during what counsel call “quickie probate proceedings,” required timely notice of such proceedings as a matter of due process, is expressly noted and passed as unnecessary to decision.
Affirmed. Costs to plaintiff.
Kavanagh and Souris, JJ., concurred with Black, J.