Section 1.9 Integrity of Probate Judgments

• Library: Estate Administration 2014 Supp

D. (§1.9) Integrity of Probate Judgments

Judgments and orders of probate divisions on subjects exclusively and originally vested in them are accorded the same weight as those of any other court of general jurisdiction. See:

State ex inf. Kell v. Buchanan, 210 S.W.2d 359 (Mo. 1948)

In re Sheldon’s Estate, 189 S.W.2d 235 (Mo. banc 1945)

Texier v. Texier, 119 S.W.2d 778 (Mo. 1938)

Jones v. Peterson, 72 S.W.2d 76 (Mo. 1934)

Robbins v. Boulware, 88 S.W. 674 (Mo. 1905)

Probate division judgments import verity and are entitled to the same favorable presumptions as are accorded in similar cases to other circuit courts. Rodewald v. Rodewald, 297 S.W.2d 536 (Mo. 1957); Viehmann v. Viehmann, 250 S.W. 565 (Mo. 1923); Oldaker v. Spiking, 210 S.W. 59 (Mo. 1918).

When a probate division enters a judgment or order in a cause or matter within its jurisdiction, the order or judgment is not subject to a direct attack in equity except upon evidence of mistake or fraud. State ex rel. Pountain v. Gray, 17 S.W. 500 (Mo. 1891); Mitchell v. Williams, 27 Mo. 399 (1858); Wyatt v. Wilhite, 183 S.W. 1107 (Mo. App. W.D. 1916). These orders and judgments are as free from collateral attack as those of any other court of general jurisdiction. Rodewald, 297 S.W.2d 536; Scanland v. Walters, 26 S.W.2d...