Legal Definitions - rejection of claim

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.