Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Rejection of claim: When someone dies, their estate (all their money and belongings) is managed by an executor or administrator. If someone says that the deceased person owed them money, they can make a claim for that debt. However, the executor or administrator can say no to that claim, either in part or completely. They have to explain why they are rejecting the claim in writing, and if the person who made the claim disagrees, they can ask a judge to decide. If the executor or administrator doesn't respond to the claim, it might be assumed that they agree with it. Sometimes, other people or organizations can also reject claims, but there are rules about how to complain about that.
Definition: In probate law, rejection of claim refers to a claim for a debt of a deceased person that is denied (rejected) in part or in full by the executor or administrator of the estate. The rejection is made in writing and filed with the court. If the claimant protests, a judge will approve or disapprove the rejection. If a claim is not acted upon, it may be presumed to be approved in most states. Other types of claims may also be rejected by agencies or individuals, but they can be protested in a lawsuit if all administrative procedures are used first (under the rule called "exhaustion of administrative remedies").
Example: John's father passed away, leaving behind a large estate. John filed a claim for a debt his father owed him, but the executor of the estate rejected the claim, stating that there was no evidence to support it. John protested the rejection, and a judge reviewed the claim and ultimately approved the rejection.
Explanation: This example illustrates how a claim for a debt of a deceased person can be rejected by the executor or administrator of the estate. In this case, the rejection was based on a lack of evidence to support the claim. The claimant then had the opportunity to protest the rejection, and a judge ultimately made the final decision.