9150-9154
PROBATE CODE
SECTION 9150-9154
9150. (a) A claim may be filed by the creditor or a person acting on behalf of the creditor. (b) A claim shall be filed with the court and a copy shall be served on the personal representative, or on a person who is later appointed and qualified as personal representative. (c) Service of the claim on the personal representative shall be made within the later of 30 days of the filing of the claim or four months after letters issue to a personal representative with general powers. Service shall not be required after the claim has been allowed or rejected. (d) If the creditor does not file the claim with the court and serve the claim on the personal representative as provided in this section, the claim shall be invalid. 9151. (a) A claim shall be supported by the affidavit of the creditor or the person acting on behalf of the creditor stating: (1) The claim is a just claim. (2) If the claim is due, the facts supporting the claim, the amount of the claim, and that all payments on and offsets to the claim have been credited. (3) If the claim is not due or contingent, or the amount is not yet ascertainable, the facts supporting the claim. (4) If the affidavit is made by a person other than the creditor, the reason it is not made by the creditor. (b) The personal representative may require satisfactory vouchers or proof to be produced to support the claim. An original voucher may be withdrawn after a copy is provided. If a copy is provided, the copy shall be attached to the claim. 9152. (a) If a claim is based on a written instrument, either the original or a copy of the original with all endorsements shall be attached to the claim. If a copy is attached, the original instrument shall be exhibited to the personal representative or court or judge on demand unless it is lost or destroyed, in which case the fact that it is lost or destroyed shall be stated in the claim. (b) If the claim or a part of the claim is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other lien that is recorded in the office of the recorder of the county in which the property subject to the lien is located, it is sufficient to describe the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien and the recording reference for the instrument that created the mortgage, deed of trust, or other lien. 9153. A claim form adopted by the Judicial Council shall inform the creditor that the claim must be filed with the court and a copy mailed or delivered to the personal representative. The claim form shall include a proof of mailing or delivery of a copy of the claim to the personal representative, which may be completed by the creditor. 9154. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, if a creditor makes a written demand for payment within four months after the date letters are first issued to a general personal representative, the personal representative may waive formal defects and elect to treat the demand as a claim that is filed and established under this part by paying the amount demanded before the expiration of 30 days after the four-month period if all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) The debt was justly due. (2) The debt was paid in good faith. (3) The amount paid was the true amount of the indebtedness over and above all payments and offsets. (4) The estate is solvent. (b) Nothing in this section limits application of (1) the doctrines of waiver, estoppel, laches, or detrimental reliance or (2) any other equitable principle.