US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

Article 1 General Provisions.

• Section 43-2-1 — Recordation of letters and bonds; transcripts as evidence.

Article 2 Grant of Letters Testamentary of Administration.

• Section 43-2-20 — Generally.
• Section 43-2-21 — Form.
• Section 43-2-22 — Disqualification of certain persons to serve as executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-23 — Issuance of letters to married woman.
• Section 43-2-24 — Supplemental letters for minors and married women upon removal of disability.
• Section 43-2-25 — Procedure for renouncing appointment.
• Section 43-2-26 — Issuance of letters to others named in will upon renunciation or failure to apply by one named.
• Section 43-2-27 — Letters of administration granted in stated order on failure of executor to apply, etc.
• Section 43-2-28 — Death of sole or surviving executor.
• Section 43-2-29 — Grant of letters testamentary after revocation of letters of administration.
• Section 43-2-40 — Generally.
• Section 43-2-41 — Form.
• Section 43-2-42 — Order of grant of administration.
• Section 43-2-43 — Renunciation or relinquishment of right to administration.
• Section 43-2-44 — Grant of administration when more than one person entitled thereto; preference of whole blood over half blood.
• Section 43-2-45 — Letters not granted until five days after intestate's death; examination of applicants and witnesses.
• Section 43-2-46 — Postponing issuance of letters during time for appeal.
• Section 43-2-47 — Special administrator ad colligendum.
• Section 43-2-48 — Conclusiveness of letters.

Article 3 Notice of Appointment of Executors or Administrators.

• Section 43-2-60 — Generally; time of notice.
• Section 43-2-61 — Manner of giving notice.
• Section 43-2-62 — Penalty for failure to give notice.

Article 4 Bonds of Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-82 — Liability of judge in taking bond.
• Section 43-2-83 — Discharge of surety; new bond.
• Section 43-2-84 — Bond of applicant when administration committed to general administrator or sheriff.
• Section 43-2-85 — Bond of general administrator.
• Section 43-2-86 — Additional bond of general administrator.
• Section 43-2-87 — Additional bond of sheriff.
• Section 43-2-88 — When sureties discharged by additional bond.
• Section 43-2-89 — Force and obligations of former bonds continued.
• Section 43-2-90 — Rights of sureties among themselves.
• Section 43-2-91 — Bonds valid and operative as statutory bonds.
• Section 43-2-92 — Conditional execution or delivery of bond.
• Section 43-2-93 — Reducing amount of bond.

Article 5 Liability of Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-110 — Limits of liability generally.
• Section 43-2-111 — Liability for damages recovered under sections 6-5-391, 6-5-410 or 25-6-3.
• Section 43-2-112 — Executor or administrator of decedent who wasted or converted another decedent's assets.
• Section 43-2-113 — Executor de son tort.
• Section 43-2-114 — Resignation as defense.

Article 6 Actions by and Against Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-130 — Venue; service of process.
• Section 43-2-131 — Limitation on actions against executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-132 — Actions begun by special administrator not abated.
• Section 43-2-133 — Succeeding executor or administrator to be made party to civil actions.
• Section 43-2-134 — Judgments against administrators in chief revived against administrators de bonis non.
• Section 43-2-135 — Actions against survivor of two or more executors or administrators.
• Section 43-2-136 — Survival of actions for damages to realty.
• Section 43-2-137 — Action on bond.
• Section 43-2-138 — Action by legatee to recover legacy.
• Section 43-2-139 — Inventory as evidence.
• Section 43-2-150 — Enforcement of judgments, etc., of probate court against representatives - Generally.
• Section 43-2-151 — Enforcement of judgments, etc., of probate court against representatives - Liability of sureties.
• Section 43-2-152 — Enforcement of judgment rendered against decedent before his death.
• Section 43-2-153 — Enforcement of judgment of circuit court against representative.
• Section 43-2-154 — Purchase of property sold under execution.
• Section 43-2-155 — Right of succeeding representative to execution.

Article 7 County or General Administrators.

• Section 43-2-170 — Appointment and duties generally; term of office.
• Section 43-2-171 — Time delay for committing administration of estate.
• Section 43-2-172 — Commitment of administration to sheriff.
• Section 43-2-173 — Resignation and removal - Generally.
• Section 43-2-174 — Resignation and removal - Appointment of successor.
• Section 43-2-175 — Record of official acts.

Article 8 Nonresidents as Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-190 — Applications for letters testamentary or of administration.
• Section 43-2-191 — Appointment of nonresident executor - Generally.
• Section 43-2-192 — Appointment of nonresident executor - Filing of copies of will and letters testamentary; bond and surety.
• Section 43-2-193 — Appointment of nonresident administrator.
• Section 43-2-194 — Manner of administering and settling estate.
• Section 43-2-195 — Collection of debts and deposits by nonresident personal representative.
• Section 43-2-196 — Right to maintain actions.
• Section 43-2-197 — Liability to actions; venue.
• Section 43-2-198 — Service of process - Generally.
• Section 43-2-199 — Service of process - Citations or notices, etc.; return of process.
• Section 43-2-200 — Liability of sureties to execution.

Article 9 Foreign Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-210 — Bond.
• Section 43-2-211 — Right to maintain actions and recover or receive property in state.
• Section 43-2-212 — Action not affected by grant of letters of administration in state; right of intervention.
• Section 43-2-213 — Plaintiff required to prove compliance with section 43-2-211.
• Section 43-2-214 — Protection afforded by delivery of property or recovery of judgment.

Article 10 Administration of Estates of Persons Presumed Dead.

• Section 43-2-230 — Applications for letters of administration.
• Section 43-2-231 — Appointment of personal representative.
• Section 43-2-232 — Hearing.
• Section 43-2-233 — Publication of notice of presumption of death.
• Section 43-2-234 — Issuance of letters of administration.
• Section 43-2-236 — Revocation of letters upon proof that supposed decedent is alive - Substitution of parties; reopening judgments.
• Section 43-2-235 — Revocation of letters upon proof that supposed decedent is alive - Distribution of assets.
• Section 43-2-237 — Costs.
• Section 43-2-238 — Applicability of other laws relating to administration of decedents' estates.

Article 11 Administrators Ad Litem.

• Section 43-2-250 — Appointment.
• Section 43-2-251 — Decree in favor of administrator ad litem.
• Section 43-2-252 — Execution on money decree or judgment.
• Section 43-2-253 — Enforcement of decree or judgment for recovery of property.
• Section 43-2-254 — Enforcement of decree or judgment when administrator adversely interested.
• Section 43-2-255 — Duty of judge, clerk or register to make payment; penalty.
• Section 43-2-256 — Compensation of administrator ad litem.

Article 12 Resignation, Removal, etc., of Executors or Administrators.

• Section 43-2-270 — Filing and recordation of resignation.
• Section 43-2-271 — Liability for assets upon resignation.
• Section 43-2-272 — Duty of probate court to grant letters of administration upon vacancy.
• Section 43-2-274 — Appointment of administrator after final settlement.
• Section 43-2-275 — Removal of resident executor from state.
• Section 43-2-290 — Causes of removal generally.
• Section 43-2-291 — Rights terminated by sentence of imprisonment.
• Section 43-2-292 — Additional bond may be required; removal for default.
• Section 43-2-293 — Application for removal or additional bond.
• Section 43-2-294 — Service of citation.
• Section 43-2-295 — Notice by publication.
• Section 43-2-296 — Trial.
• Section 43-2-297 — Costs.
• Section 43-2-298 — Order to give additional bond.
• Section 43-2-299 — Removal or additional bond on motion of court.

Article 13 Collection, Inventory and Appraisement of Personal Property.

• Section 43-2-311 — Testator may exempt executor from filing inventory or making report or final settlement.
• Section 43-2-312 — Contents of inventory.
• Section 43-2-313 — Oath upon return of inventory.
• Section 43-2-318 — Exhibit showing condition of estate.

Article 14 Keeping Estates Together.

• Section 43-2-330 — Authorization by probate court to keep estate together; term.
• Section 43-2-331 — Extension of time upon showing of good cause.
• Section 43-2-332 — When distributed share kept and worked with undivided portion of estate.
• Section 43-2-333 — Payment of profits to share owners.
• Section 43-2-334 — Order authorizing hiring of laborers - Generally.
• Section 43-2-335 — Order authorizing hiring of laborers - Petition; notice and hearing.
• Section 43-2-336 — Cultivation under direction of executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-337 — Preceding sections not to be construed so as to conflict with will.
• Section 43-2-338 — Annual settlements.
• Section 43-2-339 — Certain rights not affected by provisions of article.

Article 15 Claims and Debts.

• Section 43-2-350 — Time and manner of filing claims - Generally.
• Section 43-2-351 — Time and manner of filing claims - Exception as to minors or persons of unsound mind.
• Section 43-2-352 — Verification of claims.
• Section 43-2-353 — Revival of pending action considered as presentation.
• Section 43-2-354 — Notice and hearing; judgment; costs; appeals.
• Section 43-2-371 — Order of preference.
• Section 43-2-370 — Property charged with payment of debts.
• Section 43-2-372 — No preference among debts of same class.
• Section 43-2-373 — Payment of claims barred by statute of limitations.
• Section 43-2-374 — When executor or administrator protected in payment of debts.
• Section 43-2-375 — Payment of debts not due.
• Section 43-2-390 — Authorization to compromise or sell claims.
• Section 43-2-391 — Notice and hearing.
• Section 43-2-392 — Report.
• Section 43-2-393 — When executor or administrator may give note, etc., to extend or settle debt.
• Section 43-2-394 — Compounding with and discharge of debtor.

Article 16 Sale of Personal Property.

• Section 43-2-410 — Power of sale conferred.
• Section 43-2-411 — Notice of application.
• Section 43-2-412 — Contesting application.
• Section 43-2-413 — Notice of sale.
• Section 43-2-414 — Hours of sale.
• Section 43-2-415 — Terms of sale.
• Section 43-2-416 — When bid rejected and sale postponed.
• Section 43-2-417 — Resale upon failure of purchaser to comply with terms; liability for deficiency.
• Section 43-2-418 — Completion, gathering and sale of crops commenced by decedent.
• Section 43-2-419 — Sale of farm products.
• Section 43-2-420 — Assignment or transfer of mortgages, notes or accounts.
• Section 43-2-421 — Stock in trade.
• Section 43-2-422 — Returns of accounts of sales.

Article 17 Renting and Sale of Real Estate.

• Section 43-2-441 — Authorization to sell - Where will exists.
• Section 43-2-440 — Renting of lands.
• Section 43-2-442 — Authorization to sell - In case of intestacy.
• Section 43-2-443 — Authorization to sell - Sale for division.
• Section 43-2-444 — Application for sale.
• Section 43-2-445 — Notice and hearing generally; time for hearing; appointment of guardian ad litem.
• Section 43-2-446 — Notice to nonresidents.
• Section 43-2-447 — Notice to unknown parties; appointment of special guardian; disposition of shares.
• Section 43-2-448 — Duties and compensation of guardian ad litem and special guardian.
• Section 43-2-450 — Order of sale for payment of debts.
• Section 43-2-451 — Proof of facts on application to sell for division; order of sale.
• Section 43-2-452 — When depositions required.
• Section 43-2-453 — Evidence of title.
• Section 43-2-454 — Dismissal of application upon failure of proof.
• Section 43-2-455 — Advertisement of sale.
• Section 43-2-456 — Applicability of sections 43-2-414, 43-2-416 and 43-2-417.
• Section 43-2-457 — How purchase money secured.
• Section 43-2-458 — Place of sale.
• Section 43-2-459 — Report and examination of sale - Generally.
• Section 43-2-460 — Report and examination of sale - Notice and hearing.
• Section 43-2-461 — Setting aside sale; resale.
• Section 43-2-462 — Confirmation of sale.
• Section 43-2-463 — Report of payment of purchase money.
• Section 43-2-464 — Conveyance.
• Section 43-2-465 — Right of purchaser to cite executor or administrator to report sale.
• Section 43-2-467 — Correction of mistake in description of lands sold.
• Section 43-2-468 — Sale or division of land received on compromise.
• Section 43-2-480 — Authorization to sell.
• Section 43-2-481 — Application for sale.
• Section 43-2-482 — Notice; proceedings; order of sale.

Article 18 Settlements and Distributions.

• Section 43-2-500 — When annual or partial settlement required.
• Section 43-2-501 — When final settlement may be made.
• Section 43-2-502 — Filing of account, etc. - Generally.
• Section 43-2-503 — Filing of account, etc. - Liability for failure to file statement.
• Section 43-2-504 — Appointment of guardian ad litem.
• Section 43-2-505 — Time for settlement; notice generally.
• Section 43-2-506 — Settlement by consent without notice.
• Section 43-2-507 — Auditing of account; proof of credits.
• Section 43-2-508 — Satisfaction of claims.
• Section 43-2-509 — Liability of executor or administrator for interest or profits.
• Section 43-2-510 — Credit for expenses of minor distributees.
• Section 43-2-511 — Contest of account - Generally.
• Section 43-2-512 — Contest of account - Showing of failure to discharge trust, etc.
• Section 43-2-513 — Contest of account - Examination of witnesses.
• Section 43-2-514 — Contest of account - Reduction or disallowance of item.
• Section 43-2-515 — Contest of account - Withdrawal of item.
• Section 43-2-516 — Decree passing account as stated.
• Section 43-2-517 — Appointment and compensation of special guardian.
• Section 43-2-518 — Reexamination of items included in previous settlements.
• Section 43-2-519 — Notice of annual or partial settlement; conclusiveness of order or decree; reopening account.
• Section 43-2-530 — Authorization to compel settlement.
• Section 43-2-531 — Issuance of citation; notice; when court required to examine, audit or restate account.
• Section 43-2-532 — Proceedings on settlement of account.
• Section 43-2-533 — Setting aside decree.
• Section 43-2-550 — Final settlement required following death, removal or resignation of executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-551 — Making succeeding executor or administrator party to settlement.
• Section 43-2-552 — Decree for balance - Generally.
• Section 43-2-553 — Decree for balance - Decree in favor of outgoing executor or administrator; insolvent estates.
• Section 43-2-554 — When execution may be stayed.
• Section 43-2-555 — Stating account or compelling settlement by attachment.
• Section 43-2-556 — Issuance of citation; notice; when court required to examine, audit or restate account.
• Section 43-2-557 — Proceedings on final settlement of account.
• Section 43-2-558 — Setting aside decree.
• Section 43-2-559 — Other actions not barred.
• Section 43-2-560 — Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Filing account and vouchers.
• Section 43-2-561 — Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Making representative of deceased executor or administrator party to settlement.
• Section 43-2-562 — Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Petition for order requiring sureties to make settlement.
• Section 43-2-563 — Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Conclusiveness of settlement.
• Section 43-2-564 — Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Execution against sureties.
• Section 43-2-580 — When legatee or widow entitled to compel payment.
• Section 43-2-581 — Application.
• Section 43-2-582 — Time for hearing; notice to executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-583 — Conduct of hearing; when payment or delivery directed.
• Section 43-2-584 — Refunding bond.
• Section 43-2-585 — Enforcement of payment or delivery.
• Section 43-2-586 — Applicability of sections 43-2-581 through 43-2-585 to widow.
• Section 43-2-600 — When matters of controversy may be referred to arbitration.
• Section 43-2-601 — Consent by guardian.
• Section 43-2-602 — Appointment of arbitrators.
• Section 43-2-603 — Award - Generally.
• Section 43-2-604 — Award - Force and effect; execution.
• Section 43-2-605 — Award - Setting aside; second reference.
• Section 43-2-606 — Award - Objections.
• Section 43-2-607 — Applicability of certain sections in Title 6.
• Section 43-2-620 — Orders of distribution - Generally.
• Section 43-2-621 — Orders of distribution - To whom directed; contents.
• Section 43-2-622 — Orders of distribution - Oath; return; exceptions to report.
• Section 43-2-623 — Confirming or setting aside distribution; when sale may be directed.
• Section 43-2-624 — How sale advertised and made.
• Section 43-2-625 — Delivery of property upon confirmation.
• Section 43-2-626 — Division, sale or assignment of judgments or claims.
• Section 43-2-627 — Setting off indebtedness of distributee or legatee.
• Section 43-2-628 — Discharge of executor or administrator from liability.
• Section 43-2-629 — Disposition of personal estate of foreign decedent.
• Section 43-2-640 — Authorization to make distribution - Distribution by executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-641 — Authorization to make distribution - Distribution by court after six months from grant of letters.
• Section 43-2-642 — Contents of application.
• Section 43-2-643 — Time for hearing; notice.
• Section 43-2-644 — When distribution made; limit on amount.
• Section 43-2-645 — Refunding bonds - Required; terms and conditions.
• Section 43-2-647 — Refunding bonds - Bond stands as security; action on bond.
• Section 43-2-646 — Refunding bonds - Recordation; transcript as evidence.
• Section 43-2-648 — Refunding bonds - Rights of parties among themselves.
• Section 43-2-649 — Costs.
• Section 43-2-660 — When presumption arises.
• Section 43-2-661 — Petition to establish presumption.
• Section 43-2-662 — Notice of hearing on petition.
• Section 43-2-663 — Contest.
• Section 43-2-664 — Order after hearing.
• Section 43-2-682 — Court may allow compensation or attorney's fees up to time of settlement.
• Section 43-2-683 — Previous fees considered upon final settlement.
• Section 43-2-690 — Short title.
• Section 43-2-691 — Definitions.
• Section 43-2-692 — Petition for summary distribution; probate judge to take possession of assets of estate; when surviving spouse or distributees entitled to personal property without administration.
• Section 43-2-693 — Entry of order directing summary distribution; delivery and release of assets by probate judge.
• Section 43-2-694 — Transfer of property or evidence of rights therein to surviving spouse or distributees.
• Section 43-2-695 — Limitation on defeasible rights of surviving spouse or distributees.
• Section 43-2-696 — Effect of transfer pursuant to affidavit.

Article 19 Insolvent Estates.

• Section 43-2-700 — Order and preference of payment of debts.
• Section 43-2-701 — Report of insolvency - Generally.
• Section 43-2-702 — Report of insolvency - Statement to be filed with report.
• Section 43-2-703 — Report of insolvency - Affidavit accompanying report and statement.
• Section 43-2-704 — Time for hearing; notice of hearing.
• Section 43-2-705 — Trial of issue of insolvency to be by jury.
• Section 43-2-706 — Payment of costs.
• Section 43-2-707 — Declaration of insolvency.
• Section 43-2-708 — Second declaration by succeeding administrator not necessary.
• Section 43-2-709 — Appeals.
• Section 43-2-720 — When creditors may make nomination; who may be nominated.
• Section 43-2-721 — Voting procedure generally; proof of claims required.
• Section 43-2-722 — Person receiving plurality appointed administrator.
• Section 43-2-723 — Discretion of court upon failure of creditors to attend.
• Section 43-2-724 — Former letters revoked upon appointment; property vested in administrator.
• Section 43-2-725 — Vacancy.
• Section 43-2-740 — Time and manner of filing claims - Generally.
• Section 43-2-741 — Time and manner of filing claims - Time allowed certain minors and persons of unsound mind.
• Section 43-2-742 — Time and manner of filing claims - Claims verified in another state.
• Section 43-2-743 — Time and manner of filing claims - Claims verified in foreign country.
• Section 43-2-744 — Receipt for claim; endorsement by judge.
• Section 43-2-745 — Claims docket.
• Section 43-2-746 — When claim allowed without further proof.
• Section 43-2-747 — Objections.
• Section 43-2-748 — Allowance of due part of claim.
• Section 43-2-749 — Debt not due.
• Section 43-2-750 — Claim allowed after partial distribution.
• Section 43-2-751 — Action by creditor to recover dividend.
• Section 43-2-770 — When settlement must be made.
• Section 43-2-771 — Decree.
• Section 43-2-790 — Application for order for sale - Generally.
• Section 43-2-791 — Application for order for sale - Form and contents; verification; notice to heirs and devisees.
• Section 43-2-792 — Action by administrator for recovery of lands.
• Section 43-2-810 — Continuance upon showing of insolvency.
• Section 43-2-811 — Special plea of insolvency.
• Section 43-2-812 — Judgment certified to probate court; execution for costs.
• Section 43-2-813 — Effect of order or decree of insolvency certified to other courts after judgment or decree therein rendered.

Article 20 Probate Procedure Act.

• Section 43-2-830 — Devolution of estate at death; restrictions.
• Section 43-2-831 — Time of accrual of duties and powers.
• Section 43-2-832 — Priority among different letters.
• Section 43-2-833 — General duties; relation and liability to persons interested in estate; standing to sue.
• Section 43-2-834 — Personal representative to proceed without court order; exception.
• Section 43-2-835 — Duty of personal representative; inventory and appraisement.
• Section 43-2-836 — Duty of personal representative; supplementary inventory.
• Section 43-2-837 — Duty of personal representative; possession of estate.
• Section 43-2-838 — Power to avoid transfers.
• Section 43-2-839 — Powers of personal representatives; in general.
• Section 43-2-840 — Improper exercise of power; breach of fiduciary duty.
• Section 43-2-841 — Sale, encumbrance, or transaction involving conflict of interest; voidable; exceptions.
• Section 43-2-842 — Persons dealing with personal representative; protection.
• Section 43-2-843 — Transactions authorized for personal representatives; exceptions.
• Section 43-2-844 — Transactions authorized for personal representatives; prior court approval.
• Section 43-2-845 — Powers and duties of successor personal representative.
• Section 43-2-846 — Co-representatives; when joint action required.
• Section 43-2-847 — Powers of surviving personal representative.
• Section 43-2-848 — Compensation of personal representative.
• Section 43-2-849 — Expenses in estate litigation.
• Section 43-2-850 — Proceedings for review of employment of agents and compensation of personal representatives and employees of estate.
• Section 43-2-851 — Bond.
• Section 43-2-852 — Terms and requirements of bonds.
• Section 43-2-853 — Application to existing estates.
• Section 43-2-854 — Avoiding conflicts of law.