New Mexico Statutes Chapter 45. Uniform Probate Code § 45-3-401. Formal testacy proceedings; nature; when commenced

A. A formal testacy proceeding is litigation to determine whether a decedent left a valid will. A formal testacy proceeding may be commenced by an interested person filing:

B. A petition may request formal probate of a will without regard to whether or not the same or a conflicting will has been informally probated. A formal testacy proceeding may, but need not, involve a request for appointment of a personal representative.

C. During the pendency of a formal testacy proceeding, the probate court shall not act upon any application for informal probate of any will of the decedent or any application for informal appointment of a personal representative of the decedent.

D. Unless a petition in a formal testacy proceeding also requests confirmation of the previous informal appointment, a previously-appointed personal representative, after receipt of notice of the commencement of a formal probate proceeding, must refrain from exercising his power to make any further distribution of the estate during the pendency of the formal proceeding. If a petitioner requests the appointment of a different personal representative in a formal proceeding, the previously-appointed personal representative, after receipt of notice thereof, shall refrain from exercising any power of administration except as necessary to preserve the estate, or unless the district court orders otherwise.