Rule 198 Procedure on Hearing of Exceptions

When someone objects to how an executor or administrator handled an estate, there is a specific order for who speaks at the hearing.

If the personal representative (the person managing the estate) filed the accounting and someone else is objecting to it, the personal representative speaks first. Then the person objecting gets to speak. Finally, the personal representative can respond to what was said.

If the objection is asking the court to hold the personal representative personally responsible for a financial loss to the estate, the order flips. The person making that accusation speaks first, then the personal representative responds, and then the accuser gets the last word.