An administrator appointed in the place of a former executor or administrator shall have the same authority in settling the estate as the former executor or administrator, including the authority to prosecute or defend actions commenced by or against the former executor or administrator, and the new administrator may revive actions and have execution on judgments recovered in the name of the former executor or administrator on behalf of the estate. (Amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 171, eff. March 29, 1972; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)