In re Estate of Hana

4 Haw. 499 | Haw. | 1882

Opinion of the Court by

Judd, C, J.

In this case both parties to this appeal were appointed administrators of the estate of Hana by the Probate Court.

Kepohoni, one administrator, applied for a license to sell the real estate of the decedent in order to pay a claim which be alleged be bad against tbe decedent. Tbe Probate Court took considerable evidence upon the question as to whether tbe claim existed, it. being alleged to be for sums advanced decedent and for certain rents, and finally granted tbe order of sale mot finding any exact amount due tbe administrator. Tbe order is appealed from.

F. M. Hatch for petitioner. J. M. Davidson for contestant. Honolulu, August 11, 1882.

We think that this claim should be adjudicated by a Court of law. But it is said that an administrator has the authority to approve his own claim and pay himself out of assets, and if there were no assets be could then apply to sell the real estate for this purpose. Here, however, were two administrators who are also apparently the heirs at law, and the genuineness of the claim was disputed by one of them. We do not think the Probate Court has authority to decide upon the merits of a .claim of this nature.

We, therefore, reverse the order licensing the sale of the estate, and send the case back to the Probate Court. If Kepo-honi desires to proceed with his claim he must resign as administrator and bring a suit at law for the amount which he believes is due him against the Administrator Wahilani. It is stipulated that no advantage will be taken of the Statute of Limitations.

If he recovers, then the administrator must proceed with the order of sale.