Alexander Rich
Client prevails in contest of competing probate petitions.
Alexander Rich successfully obtained letters of administration for his client in a Mendocino County probate despite opposition and a competing probate petition from an heir. The client, a creditor of the estate, initially filed a probate petition in October. One of the decedent’s children filed a competing petition shortly before the hearing on the client’s petition, and the matter was continued to allow for settlement discussions. After efforts to settle proved fruitless, Mr. Rich filed an objection to the heir’s petition, highlighting the heir’s failure to engage in settlement discussions and potential conflicts of interest if the heir was appointed administrator.
The trial court found merit to the objections and appointed the firm’s client without requiring an evidentiary hearing.