Court Opinion

ID: 6277885
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-02-18 16:06:35.82714+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:00:07.143355
License: Public Domain

Opinion by
Orlady, J.,
Margaret Barrett died January 20, 1908. Her will was admitted to probate July 5, 1908, and a first and final account was filed January 23, 1912. On the hearing of exceptions filed thereto by Dr. Niles it appeared that no *125notice of his claim for medical attendance rendered by him during the last illness to the decedent, had been given to the accountant, although proper notice, by publication of the administration of the estate, had been given as required by law.
That other .debts and specific legacies had been paid is of no moment under the facts admitted by the claimant. He has no standing to urge payment of his bill, when he fails to show clearly and distinctly that the accountant had notice of his claim until two years had elapsed after the taking out of letters and proper publication of notice thereof as provided for by the Acts of March 29, 1832, P. L. 190, and February 24, 1834, P. L. 70.
It is substantially admitted that he knew of the decedent’s death and of the probate of her will. His own negligence was the direct cause of his loss. It was not shown that the administrator had any knowledge of the appellant’s claim. It is the duty of an administrator to exercise the judgment of a prudent man in disposing of the assets of the estate in his care, and he will only be surcharged when it is clearly shown that he has been guilty of some omission of duty that is required by law. Having observed these requirements, he is not to be held liable for the negligence of the claimant.
The judgment is affirmed.