2025 Session Last amended: 1986 session

§ 524.3-1007 — Certificate Discharging Liens Securing Fiduciary Performance

Plain-Language Summary

This section lets a personal representative release a lien that was put in place to guarantee their performance once their job is finished. After the appointment has ended, the personal representative (or their sureties or a successor) may file an application stating that no estate-related case is pending and obtain a certificate from the registrar showing the estate appears to have been fully administered. That certificate discharges any lien on property pledged to secure the personal representative's obligation in lieu of a bond, but it does not prevent later legal action against the personal representative or the surety.

Practical Notes
A personal representative who pledged property as security instead of posting a bond can use this certificate to clear that lien after wrapping up the estate. Note the limit: the certificate only releases the lien and does not shield the personal representative or surety from being sued later if a problem with the administration comes to light.