Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Massachusetts

You can bring a claim against the executor/administrator of the deceased's estate. Assuming your claim is timely brought, you will need to prove that the deceased made a false and defamatory statement concerning you to another person or people and in most cases that you have suffered some actual damages.

These cases are difficult and you are well-advised to speak with an attorney before filing suit.

The estate of the deceased person could potentially have a claim or claims against the slandering person, if all of the requirements for slander are present, but there would not be any basis for claims by others, including the descendants.