Indiana § 29-1-14-12 - Trial; pleading; dismissal
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 29-1-14-12 — Trial; pleading; dismissal, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29-1-14-12. Trial; pleading; dismissal
Sec. 12. (a) When any claim is transferred for trial, it shall not be necessary for the personal representative to plead any matter by way of answer, except a set-off or counter-claim, to which the plaintiff shall reply. If the personal representative pleads any other matter by way of defense, the claimant shall reply thereto; the sufficiency of the statement of the claim, or any subsequent pleading, may be tested by appropriate pleadings, and if objection be made that the assignor of a claim not assigned by endorsement is not a party to the action, leave shall be given the claimant to amend by making him a party to answer to his interest in the claim and to sue out process against the assignor to answer in that behalf. And if it shall be shown to the court that any person is bound with the decedent in any contract which is the foundation of the claim, the court shall direct that the claim be amended by making such person a defendant in the action, and process shall be issued against and served upon him, and thereafter the action shall be prosecuted against him as a codefendant with such personal representative and judgment shall be rendered accordingly.
(b) If any claimant fails to attend and prosecute his claim at the time the same shall be set down for trial, the court shall dismiss the claim; and any subsequent prosecution of the claim against the estate shall be at the costs of the claimant, unless good cause for such failure to prosecute be shown.
Formerly: Acts 1953, c.112, s.1412. As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.132, SEC.7.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 29-1-14-12
What does Indiana Code § 29-1-14-12 cover?
Section 29-1-14-12 ("Trial; pleading; dismissal") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 29-1-14-12?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 29-1-14-12" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 29-1-14-12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.