In re the Estate of Wheaton

2 Mills Surr. 488, 37 Misc. 184, 74 N.Y.S. 938

• Court: New York Surrogate's Court
• Decided: February 15, 1902
• Status: Published

Opinion

Ohuech, S.

— This is an application by one of the executors of this, estate to remove the other executor, on the ground of •alleged improper conduct of such coexecutor.

The facts disclosed by the papers 'show, as is unfortunately frequently the case, that there are bitter dissensions in the family of the deceased, and that these two executors, although brother and sister, are wide apart, not only in their friendly relations, but also in the discharge of the duties of their office, and that every step taken in this estate seems to still further increase the friction between them, and the inevitable result of all this is harmful to the estate. It is impossible in any case of this character to say who is entirely blameless, but without numerating all the facts it seems to me that in several of these instances Joseph 0. Whaeton, the executor sought to be removed, has been to blame, and that he has not endeavored to do his share towards having a successful management of this estate, but on the other hand has rather sought to annoy the executrix Mrs. Crowder in what should be done.

One specific fact may be cited as .showing the general tendency of his mind in this matter. It appears that after the entry of a decree settling the accounts of these executors, Mrs. Crowder’s attorney sent a letter to. Mr. Wheaton’s attorneys, requesting his signature to certain checks and (under the mistaken belief that- the bank account in the bank at Yonkers was in his individual name) requesting them to have Mr. Wheaton draw a cheek thereon to pay his own distributive share and also bis attorneys’ costs. It also contained the suggestion that -if it was necessary for Mrs. Growder to countersign these checks she' was willing to do so.

Neither he nor his attorneys complain of the character of this letter, but in a few days we find his attorneys, who represented him at that- time (one of whom was his son), bringing a suit against the executor Mr. Wheaton and the executrix Mrs. Crowder to recover the costs referred to in the -letter. This same son also appeared in court as one of the attorneys of record in this- proceeding. Shortly after this suit was brought we find the executor Mr. Wheaton writing a letter to Mrs. Orowder threatening her that she would be compelled to pay the costs of such a suit. If this suit was not actually connived at by this executor, Mr. Wheaton, he certainly has not used diligent efforts to dispose of the same or prevent its being brought. It is a totaU-y unnecessary suit, and it is plainly apparent that if Mr. Wheaton had complied with the very proper request of Mrs. Crowder’s attorneys, that the money would have been paid also, and it is afeo apparent that Mr. Wheaton, the executor, has fully endorsed this action of his son and attorney.

While the conduct of this executor, therefore, doe’s perhaps not -amount to absolute dishonesty, improvidence or want. of understanding, as referred to in sections 2685 and 2817 of the Code, yet it is conduct that is unquestionably prejudicial to the best interests of this estate, as it shows a settled purpose to disagree with the condut of Mrs. Crowder, and every transaction concerning the settlement of this estate will undoubtedly be the subject of unseemly and improper bickering.

Where such a condition of affairs exists the courts have interpreted these sections of the Code as being broad enough to authorize the surrogate to remove the offending executor. Quackenboss v. Southwick, 41 N. Y. 117. “ But it does appear that the relations between the appellant and his co-trustee, Quaekenboss, are such that they will not probably co-opera-te in closing tbe trust beneficially to tliose interested in the estate. It is not very material to inquire bow sueb relation's originated, or by whose fault, unless such inquiry should of itsélf disclose that the conduct of one had been such as to render him disqualified to net as trustee. It is sufficient, to ascertain the fact, to warrant the removal of one and the appointment of another in his place, to secure the faithful performance of the trust.” Oliver v. Frisbie, 3 Dem. 122. The above case was quoted with approval.

In Deraismes v. Dunham, 22 Hun 86, the court says: “ It remains- to consider whether the power of removal hasi been judiciously exercised. It plainly appears that the relation sustained between this trastee and the other two are so unfriendly and hostile as to endanger the execution of the trust. They can neither consult in harmony, nor act in concert in relation to the estate, and' it seems to be -agreed that their differences are irreconcilable. These facts are sufficient in themselves to justify the removal of a trustee without inquiry .respecting the outgrowth of hostilities.”

It seems to me, therefore, that as Mrs. Crowder resides in this county, where the bulk of the real estate is situated, that Mr. Wheaton should be removed as executor and trustee, and that Mrs. Crowder should be continued as sole executor and trustee of this estate.

Let an order providing for this disposition of the motion be presented for settlement.

Application granted.