Wells v. Boatner
Wells v. Boatner
Opinion of the Court
This is an appeal by the administratrix of the estate of Clifford Wells, deceased. The cause arose upon a petition by appellee for a decree removing appellant as such administratrix, and to declare appellee to be the sole heir of deceased. The basis of the petition is the allegation that the administratrix had been convicted of the murder of Clifford Wells, her husband, and was for that reason not to be considered as his lawful heir, and
The record contains only tbe petition and the decree. The latter recites a finding of the conviction alleged, and that appellant be removed as administratrix. The clerk of the court was thereupon appointed as administratrix de bonis non. All questions upon the issue of heirship were specifically reserved.
It is argued that there was an insufficient hearing and that the decision and decree were not based upon full testimony. This contention is sought to be supported by matters and allegations which do not appear of record. However, the decree recites proper notice and the presence of the parties at a hearing set by agreement and that “The court having heard argument of counsel for Rosa Wells Boatner and said Nancy Wells and being advised in the premises, it is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed as follows:” followed by the findings above recited.
The judgment of a probate court in a contest between two parties for the administration of a decedent’s estate, rejecting the claim of the one who has the legal preference thereto, will be presumed correct, if the evidence on which the court acted is not contained in the record. Lee v. Bennett, 31 Miss. 119. See also Wilson v. Wilson, 60 So. 2d 653 (Miss.)
It is argued that a certified copy of the judgment of conviction, not appealed from, should not have been considered by the court as not being res judicata of her guilt. However, it was part of the circumstances properly to be considered by the court upon the issue of her suitability and fitness to serve as administratrix.
The appellee argues that, regardless of the considerations mentioned, the order was interlocutory, and was not appealable. Although. there is no motion to dismiss the appeal on this ground, we may consider all appeals ex mero motu, in order to test our jurisdiction.
The decree will be affirmed and remanded for the hearing of such other issues as may be presented for hearing in the estate.
Affirmed and remanded.
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