Section 5. It shall be unnecessary to remove an executor or administrator in order that an action to enforce a claim in favor of the estate may be brought by an administrator to be appointed in his place, when he refuses to bring such action at the request of an heir, legatee or creditor, or is unable to do so by reason of his interest or otherwise, but an heir, legatee or creditor having an interest in the enforcement of any such claim may bring a civil action to enforce it for the benefit of the estate in like circumstances and in like manner as a person beneficially interested in a trust fund may bring an action to enforce a claim in favor of such fund, and in case of such action in respect to real estate, it shall not be an obstacle to the action that a license to sell it has not been obtained by the executor or administrator.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part III - Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases
Title II - Actions and Proceedings Therein
Chapter 230 - Actions by and Against Executors and Administrators
Section 1 - Survival of Actions
Section 2 - Torts; Amount of Damages
Section 3 - Recovery of Goods or Damages for Benefit of Another
Section 4 - Accounting for Property Returned Pursuant to Judgment
Section 5 - Refusal to Enforce Claim; Action by Heir, Legatee or Creditor
Section 6 - Writs of Attachment and Executions
Section 7 - Attachments; Permission of Probate Court Required
Section 9 - Damages and Costs; Separate Executions
Section 10 - Liability of Executor or Administrator for Unsatisfied Judgment
Section 11 - Death or Removal of Executor or Administrator; Effect on Pending Action