Civil Litigation Question, Too Complicated For Thread Title, Explanation In OP

Factual Questions
1

Ok, let’s say that Wilma is the Plaintiff and Fred the Defendant in a civil case. The judge awards one million dollars to Wilma. However, Fred is destitute and so of course the judgment can’t be enforced.

Some time later, Fred dies, Wilma remains living.

Some time later still, Fred’s descendants are searching through an old shed on his property and find that he’d hoarded gold and silver coins worth hundreds of thousands.

Is Wilma eligible for that money?

You are not my lawyer, I am not your client, I am not seeking legal advice, blah blah blah. Don’t need answer fast. Fred & Wilma are in Missouri, if it matters.

2

There is usually a time limit on enforcing a judgment.

Let’s see…google search…

3

Further reading from Missouri civil law…

RULE 76.03 EXECUTION AGAINST HEIRS
If there is a judgment against a deceased person whose estate has not been administered, an execution may be issued against his heirs to seize any property which belonged to the decedent at the time of his death.

4

After the executor finalizes the estate, are the heirs or executor ever liable for the debt?

5

No, only the estate owes the debt.

6

Procedurally, there would probably have to be a proceeding in the local probate court to determine who gets the coins. Assuming the executor knows about the judgment, he or she might have to provide notice to the judgment creditor or at least disclose the judgment creditor to the court.