Executor Authority In Probate

Summary

In New Mexico, only an appointed executor has the legal authority to manage estate affairs, such as changing mailing addresses. If your mother has not been officially appointed by the probate court, she lacks the authority to make such changes. To gain this authority, she may need to apply to the probate court to be appointed as the executor. Consider seeking legal advice to understand the probate process and ensure proper management of the estate.

Full Conversation

My grandmother recently passed away my mother who is an heir but it has not been appointed executor of the estate was able to change her mailing address
Hi Kelly, I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. In New Mexico, only the appointed executor of an estate has the legal authority to manage estate affairs, including changing mailing addresses.
- Has your mother been officially appointed as the executor by the probate court?
No
If your mother hasn't been officially appointed as the executor, she doesn't have the legal authority to make changes to the estate, including changing the mailing address. She might need to apply to the probate court to be appointed as the executor.
Would you like more information on how to start the probate process in New Mexico?