Succession of Monaghan
Succession of Monaghan
Opinion of the Court
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.
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.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.