Court Opinion

ID: 9530318
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 03:59:01.137434+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:28:04.762579
License: Public Domain

Mr. JUSTICE GREEN, dissenting: I agree with the majority that the trial court properly appointed a special administrator for the purpose of pursuing the litigation. The trial court had sufficient information before it to determine that the surviving executor might be subject to liability for the losses for which the suit sought compensation. . I disagree with the majority determination that the possibility that the surviving executor might have personal liability was sufficient to discharge him as executor. He was the designee of the testator and had a substantial interest in the estate. No wrongdoing had been proved against him and he had no conflict of interest except as to the litigation contemplated. I am unaware of any case permitting discharge of an executor merely because of a conflict that regarded one bit of litigation. Benson involved the appointment of a special administrator as to particular litigation and Abell with the initial appointment of a personal representative. In Phillips, the personal representative’s conflict of interest concerned his relationship to a corporation whose shares were the principle asset of the estate. The conflict would have continued throughout the administration of the estate. Accordingly, I would reverse the order removing the surviving executor and appointing an administrator with, the will annexed and remand the case to the trial court with directions that the order appointing the special administrator be reinstated.