{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f409\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f410\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f412\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f413\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f414\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f415\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f416\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f417\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden \styrsid5835323 footnote text;}{\*\cs16 \additive \super \sbasedon10 \ssemihidden \styrsid5835323 footnote reference;}{
\s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext17 \ssemihidden \styrsid555748 endnote text;}{\*\cs18 \additive \super \sbasedon10 \ssemihidden \styrsid555748 
endnote reference;}{\*\ts19\tsrowd\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 
\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \sbasedon11 \snext19 \styrsid12941521 Table Grid;}}{\*\pgptbl {\pgp\ipgp0\itap0\li0\ri0\sb0\sa0}{\pgp\ipgp0\itap0\li0\ri0\sb0\sa0}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid83371\rsid156649\rsid401121\rsid487262\rsid555748
\rsid1246543\rsid1382685\rsid1512902\rsid1782831\rsid1970975\rsid2033845\rsid2300940\rsid2849256\rsid3045273\rsid3094161\rsid3112580\rsid3290497\rsid3297990\rsid3608376\rsid3673225\rsid3701620\rsid3756061\rsid3867987\rsid4401726\rsid4403574\rsid4543856
\rsid4813965\rsid5326380\rsid5379322\rsid5467354\rsid5578964\rsid5664218\rsid5668615\rsid5835323\rsid5976572\rsid6513888\rsid6694574\rsid6713844\rsid6760199\rsid7162218\rsid7213790\rsid7223283\rsid7293359\rsid7478913\rsid7545874\rsid7569203\rsid7749823
\rsid7826716\rsid7881942\rsid7892695\rsid8341750\rsid8802596\rsid8991889\rsid9253272\rsid9444839\rsid9526054\rsid9649036\rsid9711485\rsid9911242\rsid9925647\rsid9986914\rsid10046265\rsid10616883\rsid10702532\rsid10751522\rsid10905775\rsid10961778
\rsid11010824\rsid11026839\rsid11027083\rsid11141392\rsid11222777\rsid11493525\rsid11626705\rsid11755800\rsid11874422\rsid12205233\rsid12333047\rsid12941521\rsid12984651\rsid13383263\rsid13507957\rsid13770588\rsid13978286\rsid14097018\rsid14222328
\rsid14375913\rsid14425382\rsid14507151\rsid14646112\rsid14697140\rsid14880843\rsid15100360\rsid15411448\rsid15413387\rsid15422973\rsid15554615\rsid15672933\rsid15862443\rsid16138368\rsid16602367}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info
{\author marahare_d}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo9\dy9\hr16\min50}{\revtim\yr2005\mo11\dy28\hr14\min4}{\version86}{\edmins600}{\nofpages8}{\nofwords3069}{\nofchars17496}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws20524}{\vern16391}}
\paperw11904\paperh16834\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3
\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot11493525 \fet0\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}
{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain 
\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7892695 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid15672933\charrsid15672933 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE
\par COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN }{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 MARIAN}{\b\fs24\insrsid8802596\charrsid15672933 A}{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933  ISLANDS
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3701620 {\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3701620 {\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Appeal Nos. 90}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 024, 90}{
\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\fs24\insrsid14097018\charrsid15672933 030}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Civil Action No. 89}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\fs24\insrsid14097018\charrsid15672933 0850}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 January 30, 1992}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3701620 {\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3701620 {\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 IN RE ESTATE OF BARCINAS
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3701620 {\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl276\slmult0\widctlpar\tx720\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3701620 {\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 1.}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Evidence }{
\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Hearsay }{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Hearsay within Hearsay}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sa216\sl276\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3701620 {\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Although tes
timony (account of how decedent allegedly wanted his land to be distributed among his children, communicated to two deceased children) was hearsay within hearsay, it was admissible because each part of combined statements conformed with exception to hears
ay rule. }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 Com. R.}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Evid. 805.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 2.}{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Evidence }{
\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Hearsay }{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Title to Land }{\b\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Hearsay exception regarding reputation concerning personal or family history permits such testimony in proving title to land. }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 Com. R.Evid}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 . 803(19).
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 3.}{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Evidence }{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Hearsay }{
\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Title to Land Probate }{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Custom
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
Admission of hearsay to prove the wishes of decedent concerning division of his property is necessary in NMI because there is often no other available evidence. Historically, under local customary law no writing was necessar
y to devise property. Property is still passed orally by partida under Chamorro custom.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 4. Probate - Custom 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 Wishes and intent of decedent form the basis of intestate succession under Chamorro custom and, in absence of a statute to the contrary, should be followed.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 5. Probate - Custom
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 NMI Probate Code recognizes validity of traditional oral wills or partidas. 8 CMC \'a72302.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 6. Statute of Frauds - Exceptions
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 NMI Statute of Frauds recognizes validity of traditional oral wills or partidas. 2 CMC \'a74916.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 7.}{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Evidence }{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Hearsay }{
\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Reputation }{\b\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Testimony offered under hearsay exception regarding reputation concerning personal or family history should describe general repute. }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 Com. R.Evid}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 . 803(19).
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 8.}{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Evidence }{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Admission of Evidence
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 In order to find reversible error in exclusion of evidence, NMI 
Supreme Court must find that by excluding evidence a substantial right of an appellant is affected. An error affects a substantial right when it can be said with fair assurance that the error substantially influenced }{
\fs24\insrsid3867987\charrsid15672933 t}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 he outcome of the case or impaired the basic fairness of the trial itself.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid2849256\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 9.}{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Evidence }{\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Admission of Evidence }{
\b\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Particular Cases
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Trial court's remarks in record indicated that its error in excluding hearsay evidence regarding decedent's wishes concerning division of his land substantially influenced outcome of case. NMI 
Supreme Court would accordingly reverse court's ruling excluding evidence.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7162218\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid2849256\charrsid15672933 10. Probate-Administrative Expenses
\par }{\fs24\insrsid2849256\charrsid15672933 
An estate is primarily liable for those reasonable expenses of administration which the court finds to have been incurred for the benefit of the estate. Absent manifest error, conclusion of trial court should not be disturbed on appeal.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6760199 {\b\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS}{\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7293359 {\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7293359 {\fs24\insrsid1970975\charrsid15672933 Appeal N}{\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 os}{\fs24\insrsid7545874\charrsid15672933 .}{\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 
 90-024 and 90-030 (consolidated)
\par Civil Action No. 89-850
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7293359 {\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12941521 {\b\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF}{\b\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 
ANTONIO GOGUE BARCINAS
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7293359 {\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 Deceased
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid2849256\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7293359 {\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 Argued and Submitted January 31, 1991
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 
\par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts19\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb
\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx4512\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx9132\pard\plain 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid12941521\yts19 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 Counsel for Appellant/Appellee 
\par Alejandro B. Barcinas:}{\fs24\super\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 1}{\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 \cell John A. Manglona
\par White, Novo-Gradac & Manglona
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7162218\yts19 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 \trowd \irow0\irowband0
\ts19\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx4512\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx9132\row }\pard\plain 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7162218\yts19 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 Counsel for Appellant 
\par Florence B. Serville: \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid12941521\yts19 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 James H. Grizzard
\par Caller Box PPP, Suite 374
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7162218\yts19 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 \trowd \irow1\irowband1
\ts19\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx4512\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx9132\row }\pard\plain 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7162218\yts19 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 Counsel for Appelle 
\par Heirs of Maria B. Atalig: \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid12941521\yts19 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 Pedro M. Atalig
\par P.O Box 332 CHRB
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7162218\yts19 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 \trowd \irow2\irowband2\lastrow 
\ts19\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx4512\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx9132\row }\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid12941521\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7293359\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11222777\charrsid15672933 BEFORE: DELA CRIZ, Chief Justice, VILLAGOMEZ and BORJA, Justices.
\par 
\par DELA CRUZ, Chief Justice:
\par 
\par These consolidated appeals from a probate proceeding raise issues concerning exclusion of evidence and recovery of certain expenses by the initiator of the probate.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11222777 {\fs24\ul\insrsid11222777\charrsid15672933 BACKGROUND
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid11222777\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 The decedent, Antonio Gogue Barcinas (hereafter "Antonio"), died intestate on January 19, 1952. He left a parcel of 538,556 square meters of land in the northern area of the island of Rota
 known as Inayan (hereafter "Inayan property" or "property").}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par Antonio's wife, Antonia Blanco Barcinas, predeceased him. At the time of his death, Antonio had eight children. Six of his children are also now deceased.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid16138368\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 In 1963, Antonio Blanco Barcinas- one of the deceased children- filed a land claim with the Trust Territory Government to determine ownership of the Inayan propert
y. Based on this claim, the Land Title office issued Title Determination 501, certifying that the "heirs of Antonio Gogue Barcinas", represented by Antonio Blanco Barcinas as land trustee, owned the Inayan property. }{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 The decision was not appealed.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11222777\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 In 1989, the NMI Land Commission held a land registration proceeding concerning the Inayan property. Following a hearing, the Commission issued a certificate of title (dated August 11}{
\fs24\insrsid9649036\charrsid15672933 , 1989}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 ) affirming the Trust Territory determination of ownership.}{\fs24\insrsid11222777\charrsid15672933 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 On August 29, 1989, appellee Florence Serville (hereafter "Florence"), Antonio's granddaughter through a deceased son, initiated the probate at bar by filing a petition for letters of administration. }{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Florence, a resident of Guam, sought to be}{\fs24\insrsid5835323\charrsid15672933  appointed as administratrix.}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5835323\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 At a hearing held in October 5, 1989, one of Antonio's two surviving children, appellant Alejandro B. Barcinas (hereafter "Alejandro"), appeared and requested appointment as administrator. }{
\fs24\insrsid5835323\charrsid15672933 Florence acquiesced, and Alejandro was appointed.
\par 
\par Notice to creditors was duly filed and published.
\par 
\par On October 27, 1989, Alejandro filed an inventory of the estate. Florence files a claim against the estate for $6,149.58 for expenses incurred in initiating the probate. Her attorney filed a claim against the estate for attorney\rquote s fees and costs.

\par 
\par Alejandro rejected both claims.
\par 
\par On January 10, 1990, Alejandro filed a petition for a decree of final distribution. }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 He proposed that the Inayan property be divided among only five of Antonio's eight children, including himself.}{
\fs24\super\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 2}{\fs24\insrsid5835323\charrsid15672933 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 Alejandro's proposal was based on his contention that Antonio intended certain }{\fs24\ul\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 inter vivos}{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 
 transfers of land he had made to three of his children to be advancements upon their inheritances- precluding them or their heirs from sharing in the Inayan property.}{\fs24\insrsid5835323\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 One of the three children who would have been denied a share in the Inayan property under Alejandro's proposal was Maria B. Atalig. Her heirs, appellees in this action (hereafter "heirs of Maria"
), filed an objection to the proposal.}{\fs24\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5835323\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 Other heirs who would likewise have been denied a share in the }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
property under the proposed distribution also objected. They included Juan B. Barcinas (Antonio's other surviving child), Jose A. Barcinas and Francisca }{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 B.}{\fs24\insrsid12333047\charrsid15672933  }{
\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 Mendiola}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
 (heirs of a deceased child). Juan, Jose and Francisca (also appellees in this action) filed motion below to disallow Alejandro's petition. Hearings on the motion were held during March and April of 1990.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7881942 {\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 TRIAL COURT'S DISTRIBUTION }{\fs24\ul\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 OF}{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  }{
\fs24\ul\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 INAYAN }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 PROPERTY}{\fs24\ul\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 First }{\fs24\ul\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 Ruling}{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 On April 24, 1990, the trial court issued a bench deci}{\fs24\insrsid7881942\charrsid15672933 sion incorporating four points.}{\fs24\super\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 3}{
\fs24\super\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 First, the court subtracted 1,858 square meters of the Inayan property and gave 929 square meters each to the heirs of Maria and the heirs of Domingo B. Barcinas (another of Antonio's deceased children).
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Second, it divided th}{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 e}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  remainder of the Inayan property equall}{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 y among all of Antonio's heirs.}{
\fs24\super\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 4}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\super\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Third, the court directed the heirs to meet and agree upon a plan to divide the Inayan property, and notified them that if they did not agree to a settlement on or before May 29, 1990, each 
heir's share would be determined by lot.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Finally, the parties were ordered to return to court on May 29, 1990, at which time the settlement and Florence's claim }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 f}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 or}{
\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933  expenses were to be addressed.}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3290497 {\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 Alejandro appealed this decision on May 24, 1990. At the s
cheduled hearing on May 29, the court was advised that the heirs had not reached agreement upon the division of the Inayan property and that Alejandro had filed an appeal.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\ul\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 Second Ruling
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 
\par The court issued a second ruling on May 31, 1990.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 It divided the Inayan property according to its earlier decision, with the clarification that the }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 "}{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 eight }{
\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 heirs}{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 "}{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933  were to share }{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 in the property }{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 "}{
\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 as tenants in common with equal one-}{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 eighth individual interest.}{\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933 "}{\fs24\super\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 5}{
\fs24\insrsid10616883\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\ul\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 In re Estate of Barcinas}{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 , Civil Action No. 89-850, decree at 3 (N.M.I. Super. Ct. May 31, 1990).
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 The court also held that Florence was not entitled to recover all of the expenses she claimed in initiating the probate, but ruled that she recover attorney's fees ($525) and court filing and publicati
on fees ($60 and $73.75, respectively).}{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 Alejandro and another heir appealed this decision on June 26, 1990.}{\fs24\super\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 6}{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933  Florence appealed the decision on June 28, 1990.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 The appeals have been consolidated.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4401726 {\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 II.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4401726 {\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4401726 {\fs24\ul\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 EXCLUSION OF HE}{\fs24\ul\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 A}{\fs24\ul\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 RSAY TESTIMONY
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3290497 {\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\b\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 [1]}{\b\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\insrsid3290497\charrsid15672933 Alejandro and Flor
ence contend that the trial court erred }{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 in }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
excluding certain hearsay testimony at the hearing on the proposed distribution of the Inayan property. The testimony was an account of how Antonio allegedly wanted the property to be distributed among his children.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid401121\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
At the hearing, a witness testified that under Chamorro customary law land trustees should inform their brothers and sisters of a decedent's wishes concerning division of property, and that the decedent's wishes should be followed. Alejandro then testi
fied that two deceased brothers (both of whom were land trustees for the Inayan property) told him that they had been told by Antonio that he wanted the property distributed only to the five children who had not already received property from him. Upon ob
jection, this testimony was stricken. The court ruled that it was inadmissible hearsay within hearsay.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4401726\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Alejandro and Florence argue that the testimony was admissible under both Chamorro customary law and the Commonwealth Rules of Evidence, and that}{\fs24\insrsid9925647\charrsid15672933 - }{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 even if the testimony could be excluded}{\fs24\insrsid9925647\charrsid15672933 - }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 the appellees failed to make a timely objection at the hearing.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 We hold that the objection was timely. However, we also hold that while the testimony was indeed hearsay within hearsay, it was admissible under Com.R.Evid. }{\fs24\insrsid15862443\charrsid15672933 805:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15862443 {\fs24\insrsid15862443\charrsid15672933 "}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
[h]earsay included within hearsay is not excluded under the hearsay rule if each part of the combined statements conforms with an exception to the hearsa}{\fs24\insrsid15862443\charrsid15672933 y rule provided in these rules."}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid11026839\charrsid15672933 [2]}{\fs24\insrsid11026839\charrsid15672933  Each part of the combined statements conforms with the exception provided in Com.R.Evid. }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 803(19):
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11027083 {\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 The following are not excluded by the hearsay rule, even}{\fs24\insrsid7749823\charrsid15672933  }{
\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 though the declarant is available as a witness:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1246543 {\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 
(19) Reputation concerning personal or family history. Reputation among members of his family by blood, adoption, or marriage, or among his associates, or in the community, concerning a person's birth, adopti
on, marriage, divorce, death, legitimacy, relationship by blood, adoption, or marriage, ancestry, }{\fs24\ul\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 or other similar fact of his personal or family history}{\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 .}{
\fs24\insrsid1246543\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246543 {\fs24\insrsid1246543\charrsid15672933 
\par (}{\fs24\insrsid5976572\charrsid15672933 Emphasis}{\fs24\insrsid1246543\charrsid15672933  added.) }{\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 This exception was invoked by Alejandro at the hearing below as basis for admitting the evidence.}{
\fs24\super\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933 7}{\fs24\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933  In }{\fs24\ul\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933 Guerrero v. Guerrero}{\fs24\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933 , No. 90-018 (N.M.I }{
\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 Mar. }{\fs24\insrsid7826716\charrsid15672933 18, 1991), a decision issued }{\fs24\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933 after this case was argued}{\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 
 on appeal, we held that Com.R.Evid. }{\fs24\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933 803 (19) }{\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 permits hearsay testimony in proving title to land.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933 [3,}{\b\fs24\insrsid11026839\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933 4,}{\b\fs24\insrsid11026839\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933 5,}{
\b\fs24\insrsid11026839\charrsid15672933  }{\b\fs24\insrsid14697140\charrsid15672933 6] }{\fs24\insrsid9711485\charrsid15672933 Admission of hearsay to prove the wishes of a decedent concerning division of his property}{
\fs24\super\insrsid11874422\charrsid15672933 8}{\fs24\insrsid9711485\charrsid15672933  is necessary because there is often no other available evidence. Historically, under local customary law no writing was necessary to devise property. Property is st
ill passed orally by }{\fs24\ul\insrsid9711485\charrsid15672933 partida}{\fs24\insrsid9711485\charrsid15672933  under Chamorro custom.}{\fs24\insrsid11027083\charrsid15672933 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 The legality of this practice has long been upheld.}{\fs24\super\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 9}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 In addition, it is not }{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 uncommon in the N}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 MI fair heirs to initiate a probate of a decedent's estate many years af}{
\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 ter decedent's death. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 See}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 , }{\fs24\ul\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 e.g}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 .}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 In re Estate of }{\fs24\ul\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 Rofag}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 , No. 89}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 019 (N.M.I. Feb. 22, 1991) (decedent died in 1944 probate initiated in 1989}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 );}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
In re Estate of Dela Cruz}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 , No. 9}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 0}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{\fs24\insrsid9526054\charrsid15672933 023 (N.M.I. Feb. 7, 1}{
\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 991)}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  (decedent died in 1948; probate initiated in 1987). We note that Florence initiated the probate in this case thirty}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933 -}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 seven years after Antonio's d}{\fs24\insrsid4403574\charrsid15672933 eath. Under the circumstances, "}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
live testimony by persons with firsthand knowledge may be difficult to obtain, since relatively few persons have such knowledge and the critical events; are likely to have occurred in the d}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 istant past.}{
\fs24\insrsid4403574\charrsid15672933 "}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  4 D. Louisell}{\fs24\insrsid487262\charrsid15672933  &}{\fs24\insrsid4403574\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 C. Miller, Federal Evidence \'a7
 467 (198}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 0}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 ) (analysis of rational}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 e}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 , behind Fed.R.Evid. 803(1}{
\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 9), identical to Com.R.Evid. 80}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 3(19))}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 .
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9444839 {\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 [7]}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Testi}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 mony offered under Com.R.Evid. 80}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 3(19) should describe general repute. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 Id}{\fs24\insrsid3701620\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Antonio's testimony concerning reputation o}{
\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 f}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  title to land within the Barcinas family was corroborated through the testimony of another witness: Florida M. Barcinas, wife of one of the two deceased sons who served a
s land trustees, testified that she heard Antonio tell her husband that he wished the Inayan}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 
property to be divided among only five of his children. This evidence was admitted. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 Cf}{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 . }{\fs24\ul\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 Guerrero}{
\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 , }{\fs24\ul\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 supra }{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 (testimony of two brothers concerning ownership of land, co
mbined with other evidence, sufficient to established reputation in community under Com R. Evid. 803 (20))}{\fs24\insrsid8341750\charrsid15672933 .}{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 
\par 
\par The trial court erred in excluding Alejandro\rquote s testimony. That is not, however, the end of our analysis.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 [8]}{\fs24\insrsid10961778\charrsid15672933  "}{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 In order for this Court to find reversible error, we must find that by }{\fs24\insrsid10702532\charrsid15672933 e}{
\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 xcluding\'85evidence, a substantial right}{\fs24\insrsid10961778\charrsid15672933  of [an] appellant is affected."}{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\ul\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 
Pangelinan v Unknown Heirs of Mangarero}{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933  No. 90-015, slip op. at 11 (N.M.I Nov. 1, 1990)}{\fs24\insrsid10961778\charrsid15672933  (citing Com.R.Evid. 103 (a)). "}{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 An error a
ffects a substantial right when it can be said with fair assurance that the error substantially influenced the outcome of the case of impaired the basic fairness of the trial itself.}{\fs24\insrsid10961778\charrsid15672933 "}{
\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\ul\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 Banek v. Thomas}{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 , 733 P.2d 1171, 1178 (Colo. 1986).
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid12205233\charrsid15672933 [9}{\b\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 ] }{\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 The transcript of the trial court}{\fs24\insrsid10961778\charrsid15672933 '}{\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 
s ruling on the objection to Alejandro}{\fs24\insrsid10961778\charrsid15672933 '}{\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 s testimony is revealing:}{\fs24\insrsid9444839\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12205233 {\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 Under the rules and the decisions of the Court in prior cases, it is my duty at this time to disallow that evidence\'85
I personally do not like that ruling but
 my personal feeling has no room in this courtroom. I have rules to follow and in this case that is my ruling. All I hope is that our legislature amend[s] the Probate Code in this matter so that the Rules of Evidence shall not apply in Probate matters. Fo
r the time being, I have to sustain the objection and that part of the testimony shall be stricken from the record.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 TR at 68-69 (parenthetical references to }{\fs24\insrsid10961778\charrsid15672933 "Chamorro spoken here"}{\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 
 deleted). After receiving comments from counsel, the court continued:}{\fs24\insrsid15422973\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12205233 {\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 I hav
e looked at the pros and cons of my decision. The Court stands by its decision. The objection is sustained. That part of the testimony is stricken. Let's proceed, and I hope that the Supreme Court reverses me on this issue. Then I will follow.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12205233 {\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 TR at 78.}{\fs24\super\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 10}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 As noted above, Florida M. Barcinas testified that Antonio intended that the Inayan property be divided among only five }{\fs24\insrsid10905775\charrsid15672933 children. O}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
n the other hand, another witness, Jose A. Barcinas, testified that Antonio intended the property to be divided among all eight of his children. The record indicates that the trial court was very much aware of the conflicting evidence:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12205233 {\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
[T]he thrust of the court's ruling is that I do not know what the wish of the decedent was. Was the land to be divided into five? That's from 
Mrs. Florida. Was the land going to be divided into eight? That's from witness Jose [A. Barcinas]. So which one is which? If there's no testimony from Jose, then the land will be divided into five}{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 \'85}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 TR at 342, 343.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Given the co}{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 urt's remarks, we may say with }{\fs24\insrsid11141392\charrsid15672933 "fair assurance"}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  that the its}{
\fs24\insrsid15100360\charrsid15672933  [sic]}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  error in excluding the evidence substantially influenced the outcome of the case. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Banek}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 , }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 supra}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 .
\par We therefore reverse the court's decision to }{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 exclude }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Alejandro's testimony.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13770588 {\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 FLORENCE'S CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
\par Florence }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 contends that the trial court erred in denying her}{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933  claims }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
for certain expenses she incurred in initiating the probate, including air f}{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 are ($2,134.98), room and board }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 ($703.30), car}{\fs24\insrsid13507957\charrsid15672933 
 rental ($400.10), "per diem"}{\fs24\insrsid11141392\charrsid15672933  ($1,470), "}{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 Wages}{\fs24\insrsid11141392\charrsid15672933 "}{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
 ($800) and photocopying charges ($35). Total: $5,543.28.}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5668615 {\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933 Alejandro and the appellees argue that the trial court was correct in denying reimbursement for these claims.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5668615 {\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933 Noting that the probate of her grandfather's estate was not commenced until thirty-seven years after his death, Florence ar}{
\fs24\insrsid13507957\charrsid15672933 gues that without her efforts, "}{\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933 the heirs might well still be sitting back accomplishing nothing.}{\fs24\insrsid13507957\charrsid15672933 "}{
\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933  Florence's brief at 7. Florence, at the time a resident of Guam, }{\fs24\insrsid13507957\charrsid15672933 "}{\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933 
had to travel to Rota, research the land records to determine (Antonio's) assets\'85 travel to Saipan to make arrangements for an attorney, and in general engage in a great expenditure of activity, time and money in order to st}{
\fs24\insrsid13507957\charrsid15672933 art this action."}{\fs24\insrsid6694574\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\ul\insrsid6694574\charrsid15672933 Id}{\fs24\insrsid6694574\charrsid15672933 .}{\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6694574\charrsid15672933 
\par In denying the contested expenditures, the trial court ruled:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6694574 {\fs24\insrsid6694574\charrsid15672933 Rule 14 of the Rules of Probate Procedure [] }{\fs24\insrsid13978286\charrsid15672933 directs that a person who is a "resident"}{
\fs24\insrsid6694574\charrsid15672933  of the Commonwealth may petition for letters of Administration. The rationale behind such a rule is the expeditious handling of proba}{\fs24\insrsid11755800\charrsid15672933 
te matters and nominal expense to the estate being probated. There may be situations where a non-resident will be permitted to be issued letters of administration. This is not the situation in this case. If this }{\fs24\insrsid13978286\charrsid15672933 
Court is to allow\'85Mrs. Serville'}{\fs24\insrsid11755800\charrsid15672933 s expenses in [their] entirety, then it would have to allow other parties from Rota/Tinian to recover their expenses too. Clearly, she is entitled to recover attorney\rquote 
s fees, and court related costs.}{\fs24\insrsid6694574\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933 
\par May 31, 1990, decree at 2.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid13770588\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5668615 {\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933 
Essentially, Florence argues that her expenses were incurred in good faith and good judgment in the care of the estate, that they benefitted the estate, and that they would have been incurred by any person who initiated the prob
ate and was later appointed as administrator.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid12205233\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\b\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 [10]}{\fs24\insrsid5668615\charrsid15672933  }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 
An estate is primarily liable for those reasonable expenses of administration which the court finds to have been incurred for the benefit of the estate. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 In re Estate of McKeen}{
\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 , 573 P.2d 936 (Colo.}{\fs24\insrsid13978286\charrsid15672933  App. 1977). "}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 Absent manifest error, the conclusion of a trial court sho}{\fs24\insrsid13978286\charrsid15672933 
uld not be disturbed on appeal."}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  573 P.2d at 938.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 The record reveals no manifest error on the part of the trial court. The court could legitimately conclude that some of Florence's claimed expenses were not reasonable}{\fs24\insrsid4813965\charrsid15672933 .}{
\fs24\super\insrsid14880843\charrsid15672933 11}{\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933  Its decision will stand.
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3756061 {\fs24\insrsid5467354\charrsid15672933 III.}{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7162218 {\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid13978286\charrsid15672933 Accordingly, the court'}{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 s decree is REVERSED and the ca}{\fs24\insrsid15100360\charrsid15672933 se is REMA}{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 
NDED for a new hearing consistent with this decision.
\par 
\par Entered this 30}{\fs24\super\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 th}{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933  day of January, 1992.
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7478913 {\fs24\insrsid7478913\charrsid15672933 __________________________}{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid15100360\charrsid15672933 Jose }{\b\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 S}{\b\fs24\insrsid15100360\charrsid15672933 .}{\b\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933  Dela Cruz, Chief Justice
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7478913\charrsid15672933 __________________________}{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 Ramon G. Villagomez, Justice
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7478913\charrsid15672933 ________________________}{\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid3756061\charrsid15672933 Jesus C. Borja, Justice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8991889 {\b\fs24\insrsid8991889\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 {\fs24\ul\insrsid3673225\charrsid15672933 ENDNOTES}{\fs24\ul\insrsid13383263\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\ul\insrsid13383263\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid3673225\charrsid15672933 1. 
Alejandro B. Barcinas is an appellee with respect to one claim on appeal raised b}{\fs24\insrsid14646112\charrsid15672933 y}{\fs24\insrsid3673225\charrsid15672933  appellant Florence B. Serville.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid3673225\charrsid15672933 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 2. Since Alejandro was the only surviving child within this group of five, the petition provided for distribution per stripes to the heirs of the other children.
\par 
\par 3. This decision was formalized in an order filed April 25, 1990.
\par 
\par 4. I.e., per stirpes, in eight equal shares among his children (or their heirs). This point was clarified in the decree issued May 31, 1990.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6713844 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 5. }{\fs24\insrsid1970975\charrsid15672933 Apart}{
\fs24\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933  from the 1,858 square meters reserved for the heirs of Maria and the heirs of Domingo B. Bar}{\fs24\insrsid83371\charrsid15672933 c}{\fs24\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 i}{\fs24\insrsid83371\charrsid15672933 n}{
\fs24\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 as.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6713844 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 6. This appeal was \'93consolidated\'94 with the earlier appeal.

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid6713844\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253272 {\fs24\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933 7. Although Alejandro has not specifically raised Com.R.Evid. 803 (19) on appeal, he does invo}{\fs24\insrsid4543856\charrsid15672933 k
}{\fs24\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933 e Com.R.Evid. 804(b) (4), a similar exception permitting hearsay evidence concerning personal or family history when the declarant is unavailable. Rule 804 (b) (4) complements the \'85 (exception) for }{
\fs24\ul\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933 reputation}{\fs24\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933  concerning personal or family history which is created by Rule }{\fs24\insrsid11026839\charrsid15672933 803(19)."}{\fs24\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933  4 D. 
Louisell & C. Miller, }{\fs24\ul\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933 Federal Evidence}{\fs24\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933  \'a7 490 (1980) (emphasis in the original).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 {\b\fs24\insrsid9253272\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11874422 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid11874422\charrsid15672933 8. 
The wishes and intent of the decedent form the basis of intestate succession under Chamorro custom and, in the absence of a statu}{\fs24\insrsid11010824\charrsid15672933 t}{\fs24\insrsid11874422\charrsid15672933 e to the contrary, should be followed. }{
\fs24\ul\insrsid11874422\charrsid15672933 In re Estate of Cabrera}{\fs24\insrsid11874422\charrsid15672933 , No. 90-044 (N.M.I. July 31, 1991).
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid11874422\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7213790 {\fs24\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 9. Today, the NMI Probate Code recognizes the validity of traditional oral wills or }{\fs24\ul\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 partidas
}{\fs24\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 . }{\fs24\ul\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 See}{\fs24\insrsid3297990\charrsid15672933  8 CMC \'a7 230}{\fs24\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 2 ("[n]othing 
in this chapter shall prevent the making of a will or partida in accordance with the historical traditions and customs of the Northern Mariana Islands, be it Chamorro or Carolinian custom, nor shall anything in this chapter affect the validity of a 
will or partida made in accordance with such customary law"). So, too, does}{\fs24\insrsid1782831\charrsid15672933  the NMI Statute of Frauds. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid1782831\charrsid15672933 See}{\fs24\insrsid1782831\charrsid15672933  }{
\fs24\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 2 CMC \'a7 4916 ("[t]his article shall not apply to a Partida performed pursuant to custom of the Northern Mariana Islands").
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 {\fs24\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7213790 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 10. 
Later, in denying a motion for reconsideration, the court reiterated his wish t}{\fs24\insrsid10046265\charrsid15672933 hat this Court reverse him. TR at}{\fs24\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933  163.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3673225 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid7213790\charrsid15672933 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14880843 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid14880843\charrsid15672933 11. We note, in 
passing, that among these claims are expenses for flights to destinations in mainland United States (Los Angeles and Houston). No justification for these claims has been asserted on appeal. Little justification has been asserted for other claims denied by
 the trial court.
\par }}