California Creditor Claims Lawyer 2026: Deadlines, Notice & Rejections Under Probate Code § 9100

San Diego creditor claims lawyer helps creditors and personal representatives navigate 4‑month and 60‑day deadlines, notice rules, and claim rejections under Probate Code § 9100. Free consultation.

“Key Takeaways”

• The creditor claim deadline is the later of 4 months after letters are issued or 60 days after actual notice is mailed. Under Probate Code § 9100, a known creditor receiving actual notice has 60 days from that notice, not 30 days. Missing the deadline bars the claim forever.
• If the personal representative fails to act on a claim within 30 days, the creditor may treat it as a deemed rejection. Under Probate Code § 9256, silence is not allowance; it allows the creditor to file a lawsuit. The personal representative must affirmatively allow claims in writing.
• Small estates (AB 2016) do not eliminate creditor rights. If an estate bypasses formal probate using the $750,000 real property petition, heirs become personally liable for debts up to the value of assets received. Creditors have one year from death under Code of Civil Procedure § 366.2 to pursue heirs.
• The AB 2016 real property limit can combine with the personal property affidavit for up to nearly $960,000. A $750,000 home plus $208,850 in personal property may both be transferred without formal probate. We help determine eligibility.
• San Diego probate filings are e‑filed under Local Rule 4.3.1 (general mandate) and 4.3.2 (digitized signatures). Creditor claims and proofs of service must be e‑filed at the Central Courthouse (1100 Union St). We handle the filing process.

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California Creditor Claims Lawyer: The 2026 Guide to Navigating Probate Deadlines

Introduction: The $50,000 Claim That Was Barred by 24 Hours

When Sarah’s father passed away, he owed her $50,000 from a personal loan. She assumed she would be paid when the estate settled. She waited for a notice from the personal representative, but none came. Ten months later, she learned that the notice to creditors had been published in a local newspaper, and the 4‑month deadline had passed. Her claim was barred. She lost the $50,000.

Sarah’s story is common. Creditors often miss deadlines because they don’t understand the probate timeline—or because the personal representative failed to give them proper notice.

At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we represent both creditors seeking to collect from estates and personal representatives needing to properly administer claims. This guide will walk you through the creditor claim process: deadlines, notice requirements, filing procedures, and what happens when a claim is allowed or rejected.

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Part One: The Legal Framework – Probate Code §§ 9000‑9399

Overview of Creditor Claims in Probate

California law establishes a uniform procedure for creditors to assert claims against a decedent’s estate. The process is designed to give creditors a fair opportunity to collect while allowing the estate to be administered efficiently.

Key Statutes:

• Notice to creditors: Probate Code §§ 9050‑9052
• Filing a claim: Probate Code §§ 9100‑9105
• Allowance or rejection: Probate Code §§ 9250‑9256
• Statute of limitations for lawsuits: Probate Code § 9250 (90 days after rejection)

Important: If the estate qualifies for small estate procedures (see Part Six), the formal probate process—and the strict creditor claim deadlines—may be bypassed. However, creditors still have rights against heirs under Code of Civil Procedure § 366.2.

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Part Two: The Creditor Claim Timeline – Critical Deadlines

Step 1: Publication and Actual Notice

The personal representative must publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper of general circulation (in San Diego, typically the San Diego Daily Transcript or Union‑Tribune). The notice runs once a week for four consecutive weeks.

Under Probate Code § 9100, the deadline for a creditor to file a claim is the later of:

• 4 months after the date letters are first issued (not after publication); or
• 60 days after the date the personal representative mails or delivers actual notice to a known creditor.

Strategic Note: Known creditors must receive actual notice by mail or personal delivery. If you are a known creditor and you did not receive actual notice, your claim may still be timely even after the 4‑month window. We advise creditors to contact the personal representative immediately.

Step 2: Filing the Claim

Creditors file a Creditor’s Claim (Judicial Council form DE‑172) with the probate court. The claim must:

• Be in writing
• State the amount of the claim
• Include the claimant’s address
• Be verified under penalty of perjury

Deadline: As above. If you miss the deadline, your claim is forever barred.

Step 3: Personal Representative’s Action (30 Days)

After the claim is filed, the personal representative has 30 days to:

• Allow the claim (approve it for payment); or
• Reject the claim (in whole or in part).

Important – Deemed Rejection: Under Probate Code § 9256, if the personal representative does nothing within 30 days, the creditor may elect to treat that inaction as a deemed rejection on the 30th day. The claim is not automatically allowed. Silence gives the creditor the right to sue.

Step 4: Creditor’s Lawsuit (90 Days)

If the claim is rejected (or deemed rejected), the creditor has 90 days from the date of rejection to file a lawsuit to enforce the claim. Missing this 90‑day deadline bars the claim forever.

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Part Three: Known Creditors vs. Unknown Creditors – The Duty to Search

Known Creditors

A “known creditor” is one whose existence is reasonably ascertainable by the personal representative. This includes:

• Individuals who have sent bills or invoices
• People with whom the decedent had ongoing financial relationships
• Anyone listed in the decedent’s papers as a creditor

The personal representative must search for known creditors by reviewing the decedent’s mail, papers, and financial records. If a known creditor is not given actual notice, a late‑filed claim may be considered timely.

Consequences of Failure: If the personal representative fails to give actual notice to a known creditor, that creditor’s claim is not barred by the 4‑month deadline. The estate may remain open longer, and the personal representative may be surcharged for any loss.

Unknown Creditors

Unknown creditors are reached by publication in a local newspaper. For unknown creditors, the deadline is 4 months after letters are issued (if no actual notice is given). The publication itself does not extend the deadline for unknown creditors beyond that period.

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Part Four: Allowing or Rejecting a Claim – The Personal Representative’s Role

Allowing a Claim

If the personal representative determines the claim is valid, they endorse the claim as “allowed” and file it with the court. The claim then becomes a debt of the estate, payable in the order of administration.

Rejecting a Claim

If the personal representative determines the claim is invalid (e.g., the debt is not owed, the amount is excessive, or the claim is barred by the statute of limitations), they reject it by filing a Notice of Rejection (Judicial Council form DE‑174). The rejection must state the reasons.

Strategic Note: A personal representative should not reject a claim without careful review. Wrongful rejection can lead to litigation and potential surcharge.

Deemed Rejection

If the personal representative does nothing within 30 days of the claim being filed, the creditor may elect to treat the claim as rejected. The creditor can then file a lawsuit. The personal representative must affirmatively allow claims to avoid litigation.

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Part Five: San Diego Superior Court – Local Procedures

Venue: Central Courthouse, 1100 Union St

All probate matters, including creditor claims, are now at the San Diego Superior Court Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101. The Hall of Justice (330 W Broadway) no longer handles probate matters.

Mandatory E‑Filing – Local Rule 4.3.1 (General) and 4.3.2 (Digitized Signatures)

All probate filings must be e‑filed. The general mandate for e‑filing is San Diego Probate Local Rule 4.3.1. Local Rule 4.3.2 addresses digitized signatures and specific restrictions (e.g., certain documents with digitized signatures may not be accepted). We handle the e‑filing for our clients.

Required Forms

Form	Purpose
DE‑172	Creditor’s Claim
DE‑174	Notice of Rejection of Claim
DE‑120	Notice of Administration (for the personal representative)
SDSC PR‑001	Proof of Service (San Diego local form)

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Part Six: Small Estates – Creditor Rights When Probate Is Avoided

AB 2016 – Real Property Transfer Up to $750,000

Effective April 1, 2025, AB 2016 allows heirs to transfer a primary residence valued up to $750,000 using a Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property (form DE‑310) without full probate. This avoids the formal creditor claim process, but creditor rights are not extinguished.

Combined Limits – Nearly $960,000

The $750,000 real property limit can be used alongside the Small Estate Affidavit for personal property (up to $208,850 in 2026). A family may transfer a $750,000 home plus $208,850 in personal property without formal probate, for a total of approximately $958,850.

Creditor Rights Against Heirs – One Year Under CCP § 366.2

When probate is avoided, creditors are not barred by the 4‑month probate deadline. Instead, they have one year from the date of death to sue the heirs personally under Code of Civil Procedure § 366.2. Heirs are liable for the decedent’s debts up to the value of the assets they receive (Probate Code § 13156).

Strategic Note: If you are a creditor and the estate is being administered through a small estate petition, act quickly. You have one year from death to file a lawsuit against the heirs.

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Part Seven: Client Document Collection Checklist

For Creditors

• Evidence of the debt (promissory note, contract, invoices, billing statements)
• Any prior communications with the decedent about the debt
• Copies of any payments received
• Date of the decedent’s death
• Name of the personal representative and probate case number (if known)

For Personal Representatives

• List of all potential known creditors (from decedent’s papers)
• Copies of all notices sent to creditors (with proof of mailing)
• Copies of creditor claims received
• Correspondence with the probate court

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact Our San Diego Creditor Claims Lawyer

If you are a creditor trying to collect from a probate estate, or a personal representative needing guidance on handling claims, contact Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. today. We help San Diego families and creditors navigate the deadlines, notice requirements, and rejection procedures with confidence.

Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp.
4501 Mission Bay Dr. #3c
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 436-7544

Call today for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your rights or administer the estate correctly.

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Sources:

• California Probate Code § 9100 (Deadline for Creditor Claims)
• California Probate Code § 9256 (Deemed Rejection)
• California Probate Code § 13156 (Liability of Heirs in Small Estates)
• California Code of Civil Procedure § 366.2 (One‑Year Creditor Claim)
• Assembly Bill 2016 (2025) – Small Estate Real Property
• San Diego Superior Court Probate Division Local Rules (Rules 4.3.1 and 4.3.2)

• California Probate Lawyer: Guide Your Family Through the Process
• California Probate Administration Lawyer 2026: Statutory Fees, Deadlines & San Diego Court Procedures
• California Asset Protection Trust Lawyer 2026: Shielding Wealth Under Probate Code § 15300 & § 15306.5
• The $103 Million Verdict That Changed Everything: What San Diego Workers Need to Know About Age Discrimination in 2026
• Summary of Attorney-Client Agreement

English Subpages

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1. Creditor Claim Deadline: 4 Months vs. 60 Days

Under Probate Code § 9100, the deadline for a creditor to file a claim is the later of 4 months after letters are issued or 60 days after the personal representative mails actual notice. This subpage explains the calculation, the importance of the “known creditor” distinction, and how missing the deadline can bar a claim forever.

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2. Deemed Rejection: When Silence Means You Can Sue

If the personal representative does not allow or reject a claim within 30 days, the creditor may treat the inaction as a deemed rejection under Probate Code § 9256. This subpage details the process, the timing, and why silence is never an automatic allowance.

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3. Known vs. Unknown Creditors: The Personal Representative’s Duty to Search

The personal representative must conduct a diligent search for known creditors—reviewing the decedent’s mail, financial records, and personal papers. This subpage outlines the search requirements, the consequences of failing to notify a known creditor, and how San Diego courts evaluate the sufficiency of the search.

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4. Small Estates: Creditor Rights Under AB 2016 and CCP § 366.2

When an estate bypasses formal probate using AB 2016’s $750,000 real property limit, creditors are not barred by probate deadlines. Instead, they have one year from death under Code of Civil Procedure § 366.2 to sue heirs personally. This subpage explains the rules and the heirs’ liability under Probate Code § 13156.

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5. AB 2016 Combined Limits: Up to $958,850 Without Formal Probate

The $750,000 primary residence limit can be combined with the small estate affidavit for personal property ($208,850 in 2026) to transfer nearly $960,000 without full probate. This subpage helps San Diego families calculate eligibility and understand how creditor claims are affected.

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6. Filing a Creditor’s Claim (DE‑172) in San Diego

This subpage provides step‑by‑step instructions for completing and filing Judicial Council form DE‑172, including verification requirements, where to file at the San Diego Central Courthouse (1100 Union St), and the mandatory e‑filing under Probate Local Rule 4.3.1.

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7. Rejecting a Claim: Notice of Rejection (DE‑174) and 90‑Day Lawsuit Deadline

When a personal representative rejects a claim, they file DE‑174 (Notice of Rejection). The creditor then has 90 days to file a lawsuit. This subpage covers the rejection process, the information required in the notice, and the strict 90‑day deadline to enforce the claim.

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8. San Diego Local Rules for Creditor Claims: E‑Filing and Forms

All probate creditor claim documents must be e‑filed under Probate Local Rule 4.3.1 (general mandate) and comply with Rule 4.3.2 for digitized signatures. This subpage explains the e‑filing process, required attachments, and the use of local proof of service forms (SDSC PR‑001).

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9. Liability of Heirs in Small Estate Transfers

When a small estate transfers real property without formal probate, heirs become personally liable for the decedent’s debts up to the value of the property received. This subpage explains Probate Code § 13156, the one‑year creditor suit period, and strategies for heirs to limit exposure.

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10. Creditor Claims in Independent Administration (IAEA)

Even when the personal representative has Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA) powers, the creditor claim process remains unchanged. This subpage clarifies how IAEA affects (or does not affect) deadlines, notice requirements, and the personal representative’s duty to allow or reject claims.

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Chinese Subpages (中文)

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1. 债权人债权申请期限：4个月与60天的区别

根据《遗嘱认证法典》第9100条，债权人提交债权申请的期限为：遗产管理证书签发后4个月与遗产管理人邮寄实际通知后60天两者中较晚者。本页解释期限计算方式、“已知债权人”的区分，以及错过期限将导致债权永久失效。

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2. 推定驳回：沉默意味着可以起诉

如果遗产管理人在30天内未批准或驳回债权申请，债权人可根据《遗嘱认证法典》第9256条将该不作为视为推定驳回。本页详述推定驳回的程序、时间点，以及为何沉默绝不等于自动批准。

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3. 已知债权人与未知债权人：遗产管理人的搜寻义务

遗产管理人必须尽职搜寻已知债权人——查阅逝者的信件、财务记录及个人文件。本页说明搜寻要求、未通知已知债权人的后果，以及圣地亚哥法院如何评估搜寻的充分性。

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4. 小额遗产：AB 2016与《民事诉讼法典》第366.2条下的债权人权利

当遗产通过AB 2016的75万美元不动产限额避开正式遗嘱认证时，债权人不会因遗嘱认证期限而丧失权利。相反，他们自死亡之日起有一年时间依据《民事诉讼法典》第366.2条起诉继承人个人。本页解释规则及继承人依据《遗嘱认证法典》第13156条承担的赔偿责任。

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5. AB 2016合并限额：高达958,850美元无需正式遗嘱认证

75万美元主要住宅限额可与个人财产小额遗产宣誓书（2026年为208,850美元）合并使用，使总额近96万美元的资产无需正式遗嘱认证即可转移。本页帮助圣地亚哥家庭计算资格，并了解债权人权利如何受影响。

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6. 在圣地亚哥提交债权人债权申请（DE‑172）

本页提供填写并提交司法委员会表格DE‑172的逐步指导，包括声明要求、在圣地亚哥中央法院（1100 Union St）的提交地点，以及依据遗嘱认证本地规则4.3.1强制电子归档的程序。

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7. 驳回债权：驳回通知（DE‑174）与90天诉讼期限

当遗产管理人驳回债权申请时，需提交DE‑174表格（驳回通知）。债权人随后有90天时间提起诉讼。本页涵盖驳回程序、通知所需信息，以及执行债权的严格90天期限。

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8. 圣地亚哥债权人债权本地规则：电子归档与表格

所有遗嘱认证债权人债权文件必须依据遗嘱认证本地规则4.3.1（一般要求）进行电子归档，并遵守规则4.3.2（数字签名）。本页说明电子归档流程、所需附件，以及本地送达证明表格（SDSC PR‑001）的使用。

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9. 小额遗产转移中继承人的赔偿责任

当小额遗产无需正式遗嘱认证即转移不动产时，继承人个人需对逝者债务承担赔偿责任，责任上限为所获财产价值。本页解释《遗嘱认证法典》第13156条、一年债权人诉讼期，以及继承人限制风险的策略。

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10. 独立管理（IAEA）中的债权人债权

即使遗产管理人拥有独立遗产管理法（IAEA）权限，债权人债权程序仍保持不变。本页阐明IAEA如何影响（或不影响）期限、通知要求，以及遗产管理人批准或驳回债权的义务。

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Hebrew Subpages (עברית)

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1. מועד הגשת תביעת נושה: 4 חודשים לעומת 60 ימים

לפי חוק הירושות § 9100, המועד להגשת תביעת נושה הוא המאוחר מבין: 4 חודשים ממועד מתן כתב המינוי או 60 ימים ממועד שליחת ההודעה בפועל על ידי מנהל העיזבון. דף זה מסביר את החישוב, את ההבחנה בין “נושה ידוע” לבין נושה שאינו ידוע, ואת התוצאה הקשה של החמצת המועד.

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2. דחייה לפי חוק: כאשר שתיקה מאפשרת תביעה

אם מנהל העיזבון לא מאשר או דוחה תביעת נושה תוך 30 יום, רשאי הנושה להתייחס לשתיקה כדחייה לפי חוק הירושות § 9256. דף זה מפרט את ההליך, את המועדים, ומדוע שתיקה אינה מהווה אישור אוטומטי.

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3. נושים ידועים לעומת לא‑ידועים: חובת החיפוש של מנהל העיזבון

מנהל העיזבון חייב לחפש נושים ידועים תוך עיון בדואר, במסמכים הכספיים ובניירותיו האישיים של המנוח. דף זה מתאר את דרישות החיפוש, ההשלכות של אי מסירת הודעה לנושה ידוע, וכיצד בתי המשפט בסן דייגו מעריכים את מידת החיפוש.

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4. עיזבונות קטנים: זכויות נושים לפי AB 2016 ו‑CCP § 366.2

כאשר עיזבון נמנע מצו ירושה מלא באמצעות תקרת 750,000 הדולר של AB 2016, הנושים אינם נחסמים בלוחות הזמנים של צו ירושה. במקום זאת, עליהם להגיש תביעה אישית נגד היורשים תוך שנה מהפטירה לפי CCP § 366.2. דף זה מסביר את הכללים ואת אחריות היורשים לפי חוק הירושות § 13156.

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5. תקרות AB 2016 המשולבות: עד כ‑958,850 דולר ללא צו ירושה מלא

ניתן לשלב את תקרת 750,000 הדולר עבור בית מגורים עם הצהרת העיזבון הקטן לרכוש אישי (208,850 דולר בשנת 2026) ולהעביר נכסים בשווי קרוב ל‑960,000 דולר ללא צו ירושה מלא. דף זה מסייע למשפחות בסן דייגו לחשב את הזכאות ולהבין כיצד מושפעות תביעות הנושים.

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6. הגשת תביעת נושה (DE‑172) בסן דייגו

דף זה מספק הדרכה שלב‑אחר‑שלב למילוי והגשת טופס DE‑172 של הרשות השיפוטית, לרבות דרישות האימות, מקום ההגשה בבית המשפט המרכזי בסן דייגו (1100 Union St), והחובה להגיש באופן אלקטרוני לפי תקנה מקומית 4.3.1.

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7. דחיית תביעה: הודעה על דחייה (DE‑174) ומועד 90 הימים להגשת תביעה

כאשר מנהל עיזבון דוחה תביעה, הוא מגיש טופס DE‑174. לנושה 90 יום להגיש תביעה משפטית. דף זה מכסה את הליך הדחייה, המידע הנדרש בהודעה, ואת המועד הנוקשה של 90 יום לאכיפת התביעה.

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8. כללים מקומיים בסן דייגו לתביעות נושים: הגשה אלקטרונית וטפסים

יש להגיש את כל המסמכים הקשורים לתביעות נושים באופן אלקטרוני לפי תקנה מקומית 4.3.1 (ההנחיה הכללית) ובהתאם לתקנה 4.3.2 לחתימות דיגיטליות. דף זה מסביר את הליך ההגשה האלקטרונית, המסמכים הנלווים הנדרשים, ואת השימוש בטופס המסירה המקומי (SDSC PR‑001).

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9. אחריות יורשים בהעברות עיזבון קטן

כאשר עיזבון קטן מעביר מקרקעין ללא צו ירושה מלא, היורשים הופכים אחראים אישית לחובות המנוח עד לגובה שווי הנכסים שקיבלו. דף זה מסביר את חוק הירושות § 13156, את תקופת השנה להגשת תביעה נגד היורשים, ואסטרטגיות לצמצום החשיפה.

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10. תביעות נושים בניהול עצמאי (IAEA)

גם כאשר למנהל העיזבון סמכויות ניהול עצמאי (IAEA), הליך תביעות הנושים נותר ללא שינוי. דף זה מבהיר כיצד IAEA משפיעה (או לא משפיעה) על המועדים, דרישות המסירה, וחובת מנהל העיזבון לאשר או לדחות תביעות.