2018 Delaware Code
Title 12 - Decedents' Estates and Fiduciary Relations
CHAPTER 17. ABSENTEES; PRESUMED DECEDENTS
§ 1711. Revocation of letters and vacation of decree of presumed death — Effect upon pending actions and upon judgments rendered.
After revocation of the letters, and vacation of the decree that the presumption of death has been established, the person erroneously presumed to be dead may, on the suggestion filed of record of the proper facts, be substituted as plaintiff or petitioner in all actions or proceedings at law or in equity brought by the executor or administrator, whether prosecuted to judgment or decree, or otherwise; the person erroneously presumed to be dead may, in all actions or proceedings previously brought against the executor or administrator, be substituted as defendant or respondent, on proper suggestion filed by the person erroneously presumed to be dead, or by proper service of writ or other process, but shall not be compelled to go to trial in less than 3 months from the time of such suggestion filed or process served. Judgments or decrees recovered against the executor or administrator before revocation and vacation of the letters and decree may be opened on application by the presumed decedent, made within 3 months from the 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 3 months, such application shall not be made, or being made the facts exhibited shall be adjudged an insufficient defense, the judgment or decree shall be conclusive to all intents, saving the defendant's right to have it reviewed as in other cases on appeal. Notwithstanding the substitution of the presumed decedent as defendant in any judgment or decree, it shall continue as a lien upon the presumed decedent's real estate in the county, as other judgments.
16 Del. Laws, c. 132, §§ 1, 2; Code 1915, § 3361; Code 1935, § 3826; 42 Del. Laws, c. 140, § 1; 12 Del. C. 1953, § 1710; 57 Del. Laws, c. 402, § 3; 59 Del. Laws, c. 384, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.
