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 actions brought under Section 64.2-454 of the Code of Virginia. Specifically, any person with an interest in the estate's administration or the administrator's appointment can appeal an order made by a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk that appoints an administrator for such a case. This appeal can be made to the same circuit court within six months of the clerk's order, without requiring a bond. The bill also mandates that the appeal be given priority on the court's docket and heard anew, with the court having the power to issue protective orders for the estate or its property. Importantly, if a new administrator is appointed through this appeal process, it will not invalidate any prior valid appointment, and the newly appointed administrator will be substituted in any ongoing legal proceedings. This measure is a recommendation of the Boyd-Graves Conference, a group that proposes legal reforms.

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https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1510