Opinion ID: 1670869
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: removal of executrix

Text: Morris Jr. urged the probate judge to remove Cullipher for multiple reasons. His first argument was premised on a perceived failure on her part to prepare inventories and accountings for the estate in a satisfactory manner. The facts, however, undermine Morris Jr.'s assertions. On April 29, 1985, Morris Jr. waived the necessity for an inventory and accounting. A year later on May 22, 1986, he changed his mind and withdrew his waiver. He further petitioned to compel Cullipher to file the documents. The probate judge ordered her to do so on August 11, 1986, but directed that the documents not be filed as part of the probate clerk's record. Cullipher proceeded to prepare and send an inventory and accounting to counsel for Morris Jr. within thirty days of that order. She then filed amended and supplemental accountings on March 7, 1988, and November 28, 1989. On March 30, 1990, she filed a comprehensive accounting and amended inventory. The comprehensive accounting replaced previous accountings filed. On May 1, 1990, she filed a supplemental accounting. We have held that where there is substantial compliance with the executrix's obligation to file an inventory and accounting and no evidence of wrongdoing, we will deny relief for a fiduciary breach. See Petty v. Lewis, 285 Ark. 3, 684 S.W.2d 250 (1985). Here, it is clear from the above that Cullipher did prepare and furnish accountings as well as an inventory after Morris Jr. withdrew his waiver. Although Morris Jr. contests the sufficiency of these documents, the probate judge found no deficiency in Cullipher's performance in this regard. We agree and affirm the probate judge's ruling. Morris Jr. also presses the point that a fiduciary breach occurred because Cullipher refused to comply with the decedent's desire in his will that Cullipher and Morris Jr. engage in joint farming operations. This language is clearly precatory and, as such, is ineffective to dispose of property. In addition, the Arkansas farm passed to Cullipher by right of survivorship, and, therefore, was not affected by language in the will. See Estate of Wells v. Sanford, 281 Ark. 242, 663 S.W.2d 174 (1984). Nor does the will direct or require Cullipher to make disbursements of money to Morris Jr. There is only the desire that Cullipher do so which, again, is precatory. Allegations were also made regarding Cullipher's administration of the Texas C.D.'s and claims against the estate. These issues are discussed more fully below but, in sum, we agree that evidence of wrongdoing is lacking, as the probate judge found. Finally, Cullipher's failure to close out the estate has been due in no small part to the multiple lawsuits prosecuted by Morris Jr. against Cullipher and the estate. There was no error in the probate judge's refusal to find any breach of fiduciary duty.