Tag Archives: Probate Exception

Citing the Probate Exception, Sixth Circuit Holds District Court Lacked Equitable Jurisdiction to Compel Arbitration of Action Proceeding In Rem in State Court

In Johnson v. Johnson, No. 24-2058 (6th Cir. Oct. 24, 2025), the Sixth Circuit affirms dismissal of an action to compel arbitration under Section 4 of the Federal Arbitration Act, holding that – under the probate exception – the lower court lacked equitable jurisdiction to interfere with a state in rem proceeding. The decedent “Mrs.Continue reading “Citing the Probate Exception, Sixth Circuit Holds District Court Lacked Equitable Jurisdiction to Compel Arbitration of Action Proceeding In Rem in State Court”

Federal Case That May Require Assessing Damage to Decedent’s Estate Assets Not Barred by the Probate Exception to Federal Jurisdiction, Holds First Circuit

In Glassie v. Doucette, No. 21-1761 (1st Cir. Dec. 5, 2022), the First Circuit reverses dismissal of a civil action on federal subject-matter jurisdiction grounds, holding that the so-called probate exception did not apply even though the case may require the district court to award damages for the loss in value of a decedent estate.Continue reading “Federal Case That May Require Assessing Damage to Decedent’s Estate Assets Not Barred by the Probate Exception to Federal Jurisdiction, Holds First Circuit”

Second Circuit Holds That Younger Abstention Does Not Apply to State Probate Court Order Concerning the Validity of a Lien

In Cavanaugh v. Geballe, No.21-571 (2d Cir. Mar. 17, 2022), the Second Circuit holds that the district court erred by abstaining under the doctrine established in Younger v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37 (1971), from hearing a due process challenge to a statutory lien on plaintiff’s inheritance and grandmother’s estate. The panel holds that a stateContinue reading “Second Circuit Holds That Younger Abstention Does Not Apply to State Probate Court Order Concerning the Validity of a Lien”

Suit by Heir Over Deceased Parent’s Investment Does Not Fall Under Probate Exception to Diversity, Holds Eleventh Circuit

In Fisher v. PNC Bank, N.A., No. 20-10110 (11th Cir. June 29, 2021), the Eleventh Circuit reverses dismissal of a state-law conversion and fraud action, finding that there is diversity jurisdiction and standing. The panel rejects the bank’s argument that the claim, concerning a joint account with an accountholder who died, falls within the probateContinue reading “Suit by Heir Over Deceased Parent’s Investment Does Not Fall Under Probate Exception to Diversity, Holds Eleventh Circuit”