Alabama Code 43-2-236. Revocation of letters upon proof that supposed decedent is alive – Substitution of parties; reopening judgments
Terms Used In Alabama Code 43-2-236
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
- Decedent: A deceased person.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
- state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
- Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.
After revocation of the letters, the person erroneously supposed to be dead, may, on suggestion filed of record of the proper fact, be substituted as plaintiff in all actions brought by the administrator, whether prosecuted to judgment or otherwise. He may in all actions previously brought against his administrator be substituted as defendant on proper suggestion filed by him, or by the plaintiff therein, but shall not be compelled to go to trial in less than three months from the time of such suggestion filed. Judgments recovered against the administrator before revocation, as aforesaid, of the letters may be reopened on application by the supposed decedent made within three months from the said revocation and supported by affidavit denying specifically on the knowledge of the affiant the cause of action or specifically alleging the existence of facts which would be a valid defense; but, if within the said three months, such application shall not be made or, being made, the facts exhibited shall be adjudged an insufficient defense, the judgment shall be conclusive to all intents, saving the defendant’s right to have it reviewed, as in other cases, by certiorari, or writ of error or by appeal, whichever is applicable under the practice then prevailing in this state with respect thereto.