Louisiana Court of Appeal, 1884

Succession of Monaghan

Succession of Monaghan
Louisiana Court of Appeal · Decided July 1, 1884 · Rogers
2 McGl. 35

Succession of Monaghan

Opinion of the Court

Rogers, J.

John K. Fitzgerald applied for letters of dative testamentary executorship of the Succession of Ann Monaghan and was appointed by the Judge on his simple petition. He proceeded with the duties of his office, and while seeking to have sold the property of decedent, was enjoined by Michael McAloone, who claimed the executorship by virtue of the will of decedent duly probated, and further alleging that he was a creditor.

He claims the appointment of Fitzgerald was an absolute nullity; his application to be appointed dative testimentary executor never having been advertised as required by law.

*36In King vs. Lastrappes, 13 La. An. 582, it was held, “ the appointment of a dative testamentary executor,without notice of his appointment, was null.” * * * The same notice ought to be given for the appointment of dative testamentary executors, as for that of any other kind of administrators of an estate.”

This is the law. No Judge can exercise his discretion independent of the forms and requisites of the law.

The right of either party before us to the execution of the decedent’s will cannot be determined. Neither party has complied with the law. The judgment of the District Court is reversed and set aside, and the case remanded, in order that the proper proceedings may be had in the premises.

Appellees paying costs.

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