A. If the will does not name an executor, or the executor named refuses to accept, fails to give bond, or dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the court or clerk may grant administration with the will annexed to a person who is a residual or substantial legatee under the will, or his designee, or if such person fails to apply for administration within 30 days, to a person who would have been entitled to administration if there had been no will.
B. Administration shall not be granted to any person unless he takes the required oath and gives bond, and the court or clerk is satisfied that he is suitable and competent to perform the duties of his office. Administration shall not be granted to any person under a disability as defined in § 8.01-2.
C. If any beneficiary of the estate objects, a spouse or parent who has been barred from all interest in the estate because of desertion or abandonment as provided under § 64.2-308 or 64.2-308.17, as applicable, may not serve as an administrator of the estate.
Code 1950, § 64-112; 1968, c. 656, § 64.1-116; 1979, c. 323; 2000, c. 321; 2012, c. 614; 2016, cc. 187, 269.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 64.2 - Wills, Trusts, and Fiduciaries
Chapter 5 - Personal Representatives and Administration of Estates
§ 64.2-500. Grant of administration with the will annexed
§ 64.2-501. Oath of executor or administrator with the will annexed
§ 64.2-502. Grant of administration of intestate estate
§ 64.2-503. Oath and bond of administrator of intestate estate
§ 64.2-504. Bond of executor or administrator
§ 64.2-505. When security not required
§ 64.2-506. When letters of administration and order for obtaining probate in due form are required
§ 64.2-507. Clerks to deliver statement of responsibilities
§ 64.2-510. Affidavit relating to real estate of intestate decedent
§ 64.2-511. Powers of executor before qualification
§ 64.2-513. Effect of death, resignation, or removal of sole executor
§ 64.2-514. Duty of every personal representative
§ 64.2-515. Duty of fiduciaries as to joint accounts
§ 64.2-516. Duties of fiduciaries as to certain obligations of the United States
§ 64.2-518. When personal representative may renew obligation of decedent
§ 64.2-520.1. Action for damages from legal malpractice concerning estate planning
§ 64.2-520.2. Reliance on certificate of qualification of a personal representative
§ 64.2-522. Personal representatives to pay over sale proceeds and rents to persons entitled
§ 64.2-523. Personal representative may execute deed pursuant to written contract of decedent
§ 64.2-524. Validation of certain conveyances by foreign executor
§ 64.2-525. Debtor's appointment as executor
§ 64.2-526. What personal estate to be sold; use of proceeds
§ 64.2-527. Estate held for another's life; inclusion in personal estate
§ 64.2-528. Order in which debts and demands of decedents to be paid
§ 64.2-530. Lien acquired during lifetime of decedent not affected
§ 64.2-531. Nonexoneration; payment of lien if granted by agent
§ 64.2-532. Real estate of decedent as assets for payment of debts
§ 64.2-533. Administration of assets for payment of debts
§ 64.2-537. Action to enforce claim of less than $100; notice
§ 64.2-538. Lien acquired during lifetime of decedent not affected
§ 64.2-540. Apportionment required
§ 64.2-541. Recovery by executor when part of estate not in his possession
§ 64.2-542. Transfers not required until tax ascertained or security given
§ 64.2-543. Contrary provisions of will or other instrument to govern
§ 64.2-544. Construction of direction to pay all taxes imposed on account of testator's death
§ 64.2-545. Transfer of assets to administrator de bonis non; administration of assets
§ 64.2-546. Action against representative of executor for waste
§ 64.2-547. Revival of judgment by administrator de bonis non
§ 64.2-548. Action against surety of personal representative; procedure
§ 64.2-549. Liability of personal representative or his surety
§ 64.2-550. Proceedings for receiving proof of debts by commissioners of accounts
§ 64.2-551. Account of debts by commissioners of accounts
§ 64.2-552. How claims filed before commissioners of accounts; tolling of limitations period
§ 64.2-553. When court to order payment of debts
§ 64.2-554. When distribution may be required; refunding bond
§ 64.2-555. When fiduciaries are protected by refunding bonds
§ 64.2-557. Form for notice to show cause under § 64.2-556
§ 64.2-558. Distribution to persons standing in loco parentis to certain beneficiaries