In Mississippi, here are some guidelines about who may serve as executor or personal representative of an estate.
- Minors: Individuals who are under the age of 18 are generally disqualified from serving as executors or administrators. However, if a minor is the sole beneficiary and there is no other suitable person available, the court may appoint a guardian to act as executor or administrator on behalf of the minor.
- Individuals of unsound mind: People who have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent or incapacitated by a court are disqualified from serving as executors or administrators. The court typically appoints a guardian or conservator to handle the affairs of individuals with mental incapacity.
- Convicted felons: Individuals who have been convicted of a felony offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust are generally disqualified from serving as executors or administrators. This disqualification is intended to protect the interests of the estate and ensure that the administration is carried out by individuals with integrity.
- Individuals deemed unfit or unsuitable by the court: The court has the authority to determine whether an individual is unfit or unsuitable to serve as an executor or administrator based on factors such as a history of mismanagement, conflicts of interest, or lack of qualifications.
