1.32.500 Administration of Intestate Estate

(a) If an Administrator is appointed over a decedent's property, which is disposed of by a valid will, such person shall likewise assume authority over the decedent's intestate estate and administer it with the rest of the decedent's estate.

(b) Whenever it reasonably appears that such is necessary to the preservation, administration and/or distribution of a decedent's intestate estate, the Court shall appoint an Administrator over the estate. It shall not be necessary to appoint an Administrator if the value of the decedent's property appears to be less than $5,000 in value, no problems in administering the estate are foreseen, and no one requests that one be appointed.

(c) The following persons if legally competent, shall be afforded the priority in order of his or her listing for appointment as Administrator: the surviving spouse, any child over 18 years of age, other blood relatives, any adult tribal member, or any adult person.

(d) The duties of the Administrator shall be as follows:

(1) To take constructive or physical possession of all property of the decedent subject to this Code as the Court shall order, taking into consideration the interests of the person or persons who may have occupied the homestead of the decedent at the time of his or her passing.

(2) Within one (1) month of appointment make an inventory and appraisement of such property and file it with the Court.

(3) Within one (1) month appointment. determine and file with the Court a list of all known relatives of the decedent, their ages, their relationship to the decedent, and their whereabouts if known.

(4) Subject to the approval of the Court, ascertain and pay all of the debts and legal obligations of the decedent.

(5) Prosecute and defend actions for or against the estate.

(6) Distribute the estate in accordance with the order of the Court and file receipts with the Court showing distribution of the estate.

(e) The Administrator shall file a bond in an amount to be set by the Court to insure his or her faithful, honest performance of his or her duties as Administrator. Unless otherwise made to appear necessary or desirable, no bond shall be required of an Administrator who is the spouse or child of a decedent.