Supreme Court Affirms Probate Court Choice of Administrator

Saipan, CNMI – On December 12, 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed the probate court’s order declining to remove Herman P. Sablan as administrator and Anthony H. Aguon as attorney for the estate of Concepcion Faisao Tudela.

The probate court had appointed Sablan to be the administrator of the estate, to which Appellant Ivan-Rufo Faisao Tudela objected, adding an objection to the continued representation of the Estate by attorney Aguon. After reviewing Tudela’s objection, the court declined to remove Sablan and Aguon, finding Tudela had failed to provide adequate grounds for their removal.

On appeal, the Supreme Court found that Tudela had failed to present meritorious legal argument in his briefs or at oral argument. Holding that the Court will not determine an issue on appeal when no argument has been presented, the Court affirmed the decision of the probate court.

The full opinion can be read on the Law Revision Commission website: https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/supreme/2024-MP-09.pdf

2024-PR-023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 12, 2024

This press release constitutes no part of the decision of the Court. It has been prepared by court staff for the convenience of the public. For further information, contact the Supreme Court at Supreme.Court@NMIJudiciary.gov.