(1) If, prior to appointment and qualification of a personal representative, property of a decedent is in danger of loss, injury or deterioration, or disposition of the remains of a decedent is required, the court may appoint a special administrator to take charge of the property or the remains. The petition for appointment shall state the reasons for special administration and specify the property, so far as known, requiring administration, and the danger to which it is subject.
(2) The special administrator shall qualify by filing a bond in the amount set by the court, conditioned upon the special administrator faithfully performing the duties of the trust.
(3) The special administrator may:
(a) Incur expenses for the funeral, burial or other disposition of the remains of decedent in a manner suitable to the condition in life of the decedent;
(b) Incur expenses for the protection of the property of the estate; and
(c) Sell perishable property of the estate, whether or not listed in the petition, if necessary to prevent loss to the estate.
(4) The special administrator shall not approve or reject claims of creditors or pay claims or expenses of administration or take possession of assets of the estate other than those in danger of loss, injury or deterioration pending the appointment of a personal representative.
(5) Upon the appointment and qualification of a personal representative the powers of the special administrator shall cease. Within 30 days after the issuance of letters testamentary to a personal representative, the special administrator shall make and file an account and deliver to the personal representative the assets of the estate in the possession of the special administrator. If the personal representative objects to the account of the special administrator, the court shall hear the objections, and, whether or not objections are made, shall examine the account.
(6) To the extent approved by the court, the compensation of the special administrator and expenses properly incurred by the special administrator, including a reasonable fee of the attorney of the special administrator, shall be paid as expenses of administration. [1969 c.591 §80; 1999 c.592 §1]
Section: 113.005 113.010 113.015 113.020 113.025 113.027 113.030 113.035 113.040 113.045 113.050 113.055 113.060 113.065 113.070 NextLast modified: August 7, 2008