Bill > HB1510

This bill establishes a process for appealing the appointment of an administrator in cases involving personal injury or death by wrongful act against or on behalf of a decedent's estate, which are legal actions brought when someone dies due to another party's negligence. Specifically, any person with an interest in the estate or the administrator's appointment, including those entitled to notice under a specific section of law (§ 64.2-508), can appeal an order from a circuit court clerk that appoints an administrator for such a case. This appeal can be made within six months of the order's entry, without requiring a bond, and will be heard by the circuit court. The court will give this appeal priority on its docket and hear the case anew, known as a "de novo" proceeding. The court can also issue orders to protect individuals or property involved in the estate during the appeal process. Importantly, if a new administrator is appointed through this appeal, it will not invalidate any previous valid appointment, and the new administrator will be substituted in any ongoing lawsuits.