N.M. Stat. § 45-3-611
Termination of appointment by removal; cause;
procedure.
A. Any interested person may petition for removal of a personal representative for
cause at any time. Upon filing of the petition, the district court shall fix a time and place
for hearing. Notice shall be given by the petitioner to the personal representative, and to
such other persons as the district court may direct. Except as otherwise ordered as
provided in Section 3-607 [45-3-607 NMSA 1978], after receipt of notice of removal
proceedings, the personal representative shall not act except to account, to correct
maladministration or preserve the estate. If removal is ordered, the district court also
shall direct by order the disposition of the assets remaining in the name of, or under the
control of, the personal representative being removed.
B. Cause for removal exists when:
(1)
removal would be in the best interests of the estate;
(2)
it is shown that a personal representative or the person seeking his
appointment intentionally misrepresented material facts in the proceedings leading to
his appointment;
(3)
the personal representative has disregarded an order of the district court;
(4)
the personal representative has become incapable of discharging the
duties of his office;
(5)
the personal representative has mismanaged the estate; or
(6)
the personal representative failed to perform any duty pertaining to the
office.
C. Unless the decedent's will directs otherwise, a personal representative appointed
at the decedent's domicile, incident to securing appointment of himself or his nominee
as ancillary personal representative, may obtain removal of another who was appointed
personal representative in New Mexico to administer local assets.