Who must be served with citation in probate or administration proceedings?

• A. Heirs at law, devisees, beneficiaries named in the will, creditors as required, and any other interested parties as determined by the court.
• B. Only the executor.
• C. Only the heirs.
• D. The public at large.

Answer: (A)

In probate or administration, notice must go to everyone who may have an interest in the estate so they can participate and protect their rights. That includes heirs at law, devisees, and beneficiaries named in the will, as well as creditors who have claims, and any other interested parties the court identifies. The phrase “as determined by the court” lets the judge add others who may be affected or have a stake in the proceeding, depending on the circumstances. Serving only the executor would leave out people who might be entitled to part of the estate or who could be affected by the administration, and serving the public at large would be unnecessary and improper. So, the proper approach is to notify all those with a real interest, as required.