Want to Settle small claims

[Laura Gates]

What is the name of your state? Connecticut
I was sued and the claimant won. Before I could pay a dime, the claimant passed away. I contacted Probate and they said there was no estate. I contacted the court and they said to contact the parents who live in another state. I have tried to contact the parents to no avail. How do I go about settling this claim that is the only thing showing on my credit report and I am in the process of buying a house and need this cleared up. Any suggestions?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state? Connecticut
I was sued and the claimant won. Before I could pay a dime, the claimant passed away. I contacted Probate and they said there was no estate. I contacted the court and they said to contact the parents who live in another state. I have tried to contact the parents to no avail. How do I go about settling this claim that is the only thing showing on my credit report and I am in the process of buying a house and need this cleared up. Any suggestions?

My response:

Well, this is a bit rough. Unless the family files a Probate action on behalf of the decedent, there's no one, and no entity, that you can pay and have them execute a "Satisfaction of Judgment".

But, here's a little known fact - -

If your "level of need" is great, did you know that YOU can pay an attorney to open a Probate action? That's right. Since you have an "interest" in the Estate, and if the family doesn't begin a Probate action after 30 days, you can have the court appoint you as the Administrator of the Estate for the limited purpose of paying the Estate and notifying the relatives of your "interest." Then, the court can issue you a Satisfaction of Judgment.

It's expense, in that, you're the one paying an attorney. But, like I said, if your "level of need" is great, then that's the only way to do it if someone else doesn't come forward to Probate the Estate.

Good luck.

IAAL

 

[JETX]

Did you also know that most states allow you to pay the judgment to the court and the court can render a 'Satisfaction of Judgment'?? You might contact the court and see if your state does this.