MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Judiciary A

By: Representative Ford

House Bill 495

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 91-7-47 AND 91-7-63, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXTEND THE REPEALER ON THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AND ON THE GRANT OF ADMINISTRATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 91-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     91-7-47.  (1)  Every executor or administrator with the will annexed, who has qualified, shall have the right to the possession of all the personal estate of the deceased, unless otherwise directed in the will; and he shall take all proper steps to acquire possession of any part thereof that may be withheld from him, and shall manage the same for the best interest of those concerned, consistently with the will, and according to law.  He shall have the proper appraisements made, return true and complete inventories except as otherwise provided by law, shall collect all debts due the estate as speedily as may be, pay all debts that may be due from it which are properly probated and registered, so far as the means in his hands will allow, shall settle his accounts as often as the law may require, pay all the legacies and bequests as far as the estate may be sufficient, and shall well and truly execute the will if the law permit.  He shall also have a right to the possession of the real estate so far as may be necessary to execute the will, and may have proper remedy therefor. 

     (2)  In addition to the rights and duties contained in this section, he shall also have those rights, powers and remedies as set forth in Section 91-9-9.  The provisions of this subsection shall stand repealed from and after July 1, 2008.

     SECTION 2.  Section 91-7-63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     91-7-63.  (1)  Letters of administration shall be granted by the chancery court of the county in which the intestate had, at the time of his death, a fixed place of residence; but if the intestate did not have a fixed place of residence, then by the chancery court of the county where the intestate died, or that in which his personal property or some part of it may be.  The court shall grant letters of administration to the relative who may apply, preferring first the husband or wife and then such others as may be next entitled to distribution if not disqualified, selecting amongst those who may stand in equal right the person or persons best calculated to manage the estate; or the court may select a stranger, a trust company organized under the laws of this state, or of a national bank doing business in this state, if the kindred be incompetent.  If such person does not apply for administration within thirty (30) days from the death of an intestate, the court may grant administration to a creditor or to any other suitable person.  

     (2)  In addition to the rights and duties of the administrator contained in this chapter, he shall also have those rights, powers and remedies as set forth in Section 91-9-9.  The provisions of this subsection shall stand repealed from and after July 1, 2008.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.