SMITH v. JONES ESTATE
Appeal from Superior Court of Los Angeles County
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The appellant, John Smith, appeals from the probate court’s order denying his petition to be appointed as administrator of the Jones Estate. The court found that Smith lacked standing under Probate Code section 8461.
We affirm the trial court’s decision.
Mary Jones died intestate on January 1, 2024, leaving an estate valued at approximately $500,000. Smith, who claimed to be a creditor of the estate, petitioned to be appointed as administrator.
The trial court denied the petition, finding that Smith had not established his status as a creditor and therefore lacked standing to seek appointment.
Under Probate Code section 8461, a creditor may petition for appointment as administrator only if they can establish a valid claim against the estate. Here, Smith failed to provide adequate documentation of his alleged debt.
The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the petition.
The order is affirmed. Respondent shall recover costs on appeal.