Title 11 Wills
Chapter 11.01 Succession; Descent; Wills
11.01.010 Succession Defined
Succession is the coming in of another to take the property of one who dies without disposing of it by will.
11.01.020 Intestate
The personal property of one who dies without disposing of it by will passes to the heirs of the intestate subject to the control of the Tribal Court for the purposes of administration and to the possession of any administrator lawfully appointed. All property shall be chargeable with the expenses of administration, the payment of decedent's debts and the allowance to his family, except as otherwise provided in this Code.
11.01.030 Order of Succession
When any person having title to any estate not otherwise limited by marriage contract dies without disposing of the estate by will, it is succeeded to and must be distributed, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Code, subject to the payment of his debts, in the following manner:
(a) If the decedent leaves a surviving spouse and only one (1) child or the lawful issue of a deceased child, the estate goes one-half to the surviving spouse and one-half to the child or issue. If the decedent leaves a surviving spouse and more than one (1) child living, or one (1) child living and lawful issue of one (1) or more deceased children, the estate goes one-half to the surviving spouse and the remainder in equal shares to his children and to the lawful issue of any deceased child, by right of representation. If the decedent leaves no surviving spouse, but leaves issue, the whole estate goes to such issue and if such issue consists of more than one (1) child living, or one (1) child living and the lawful issue of one (1) or more deceased children, then the estate goes in equal shares to the children living or the child living, and the issue of the deceased child or children by right of representation;
(b) If the decedent leaves no issue and the estate does not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in value, all the estate goes to the surviving husband or wife. If the estate exceeds fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) then the first fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) goes to the survivor, who shall have the right of selecting the same, and of all property in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in value, one-half goes to the surviving husband or wife, and the other half goes to the decedent' father and mother in equal shares, and if either is dead the whole goes to the other, but if neither survive then such portion goes in equal shares to the brothers and sisters of the decedent, and to the children and grandchildren of any deceased brother or sister by right of representation. If the decedent leaves no issue, nor husband nor wife, the estate must go to his father and mother in equal shares or, if either is dead, then to the other;
(c) If there be no issue, nor husband, nor wife, nor father, nor mother, then in equal shares to the brothers and sisters of the decedent, and to the children or grandchildren of any deceased brother or sister by right of representation;
(d) If the decedent, who was an only child, leave a surviving husband or wife, and no issue, and no father, nor mother, the whole estate goes to the surviving husband or wife;
(e) If the decedent leaves no issue, nor husband, nor wife, and no father, nor mother, nor brother, nor sister, nor decedents of a deceased brother or sister, the estate must go to the next of kin, in equal degree, excepting when there are two (2) or more collateral kindred in equal degree, but claiming through different ancestors. Those claiming through the nearest ancestors must be preferred to those claiming through an ancestor more remote;
(f) If there is no one capable of succeeding under the previous subdivisions of this section, the property of the decedent escheats to the Turtle Mountain Tribe, to be used or disposed of for the benefit of the tribe as a whole.
11.01.040 Inheritance by Illegitimate Children
Every illegitimate child is an heir or the person who in writing, signed in the presence of a competent witness, acknowledges himself to be the father of such child; and in all cases is heir of his mother; and inherits in whole or in part as the case may be, in the same manner as if he had been born in lawful wedlock. He shall represent his mother equally with her legitimate children by inheriting any part of estate of her kindred, either lineal or collateral, but he does not represent his father by inheriting any part of the estate of his kindred, either lineal or collateral, unless before his death his parents shall have intermarried, and his father after such marriage acknowledges him as his child, or adopts him into his family, in which case such child and all legitimate children are considered brothers and sisters, and on the death of either of them, intestate and without issue, the others inherit his estate, and are heirs as herein before provided, in like manner as if all the children had been legitimate, saving to the father and the mother respectively their rights in the estates of all children in like manner as if all had been legitimate.
11.01.050 Inheritance from Illegitimate Child
If an illegitimate child who has not been acknowledged or adopted by his father dies intestate, without lawful issue, his estate goes to his mother, or in case of her death, to her heirs at law.
11.01.060 Heir Takes Realty Subject to Mortgages
When real estate subject to mortgage passes by succession, the heir must satisfy the mortgage out of his own property without resorting to the estate of the decedent.
11.01.070 Degrees of Kindred
The degree of kindred is established by the number of generations and each generation is called a degree.
11.01.080 Lineal and Collateral Consanguinity
The series of degrees form the line; the series of degrees between persons who descend from one another is called direct or lineal consanguinity; and the series of degrees between persons who do not descend from one another, but spring from a common ancestor is the collateral line or collateral consanguinity.
11.01.090 Ascending and Descending Lines
The direct line is divided into a direct line descending and a direct line ascending.
The first is that which connects the ancestor with those who descend from him. The second is that which connects a person with those from whom he descends.
11.01.100 Degrees in Direct Line
In the direct line there are as many degrees as there are generations. Thus the son is, with regard to the father, in the first degree, the grandson in the second.
11.01.110 Computations of Degrees In_Collateral Line
In the collateral line the degrees are counted by generations from one of the relations up to the common ancestor, and from the common ancestor to the other relations. In such computations the decedent is excluded, the relative included, and the ancestor counted but once. Thus, brothers are related in the second degree, uncle and nephew in the third degree, first cousins in the fourth degree, and so on.
11.01.120 Kindred of Half Blood Inherit
Kindred of the half blood inherit equally with those of the whole blood in the same degree.
11.01.130 Inheritance by Representation
Inheritance or succession by right of representation takes place when the decedents of any deceased heir take the same share or right in the estate of another-person that their parents would have taken if living. A child born after the death of a parent inherits from that parent as if he had been born in the lifetime of such parent and survived him.
11.01.140 Aliens and Non-Enrolled Individuals May Take
Aliens and non-enrolled individuals may take in all cases, by succession and by will, the same as members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Tribe.
Chapter 11.02 Wills: Execution and Revocation
11.02.010 How Wills Must Be Executed and Attested
Every will must be in writing, and every will, other than a holographic will, must be executed and attested as follows:
(a) It must be signed at the end by the testator or by some person in the testator's presence and by his direction;
(b) The subscription must be made in the presence of the attesting witnesses, or be acknowledged by the testator to them to have been made by him or by his authority;
(c) The testator must, at the time of subscribing or acknowledging the same, declare to the attesting witnesses that the instrument is his will;
(d) There must be two (2) attesting witnesses, each of whom must sign his name as a witness at the end of the will, at the testator's request and in his presence.
11.02.020 Who May Make; May Dispose of What Property
Every person over the age of eighteen (18) years and of sound mind, may execute a will, and may thereby dispose of all or any part of his estate. All property disposed of by will is chargeable with the payment of testator's debts, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Code.
11.02.030 What May Be Disposed of by Will
Every estate and interest in property may be disposed of by will.
11.02.040 May_Be Made to Anyone Except Authorized Corporation
A testamentary disposition may be made to any person capable by law of taking the property so disposed of, except no corporation may take under a will unless expressly authorized by its charter or by statute to so take.
11.02.050 Codicil; Definition of
A codicil is a supplement or an addition to a will. It may explain, modify, add to, subtract from, qualify, alter, restrain or revoke provisions in a will.
11.02.060 Will Includes Codicil
The term "will" as used in this Code includes all codicils as well as wills.
11.02.070 Codicil; Effect of
The execution of a codicil, referring to a previous will, has the effect to republish the will as modified by the codicil.
11.02.080 Mutual Will
A conjoint or mutual will is valid, but it may be revoked by any of the testators like any other will.
11.02.090 Holographic Will
A holographic will is one that is entirely written, dated, and signed by the hand of the testator.
11.02.100 Compliance with What Law Required
The execution or revocation of any will in compliance with the laws of the place where executed, or of the testator's domicile shall be given legal effect.
11.02.110 Change of Domicile; No Effect
Whenever a will or a revocation thereof is duly executed in accordance with the law of the place in which the same was made, or of the domicile of the testator, the subsequent change of domicile of the testator shall have no effect on its validity.
11.02.120 Revocation of Wills
Except as expressly stated in this Code no written will, nor any part thereof, can be revoked or altered, otherwise than:
(a) By a written will or other writing of the testator, declaring such revocation or alteration, and executed with the same formalities with which a will should be executed by such testator; or
(b) By being burnt, torn, cancelled, obliterated, or destroyed, with the intent and for the purpose of revoking the same, by the testator himself, or by some person in his presence and by his direction.
11.02.130 Cancellation and Destruction; How Proved
When a will is not revoked by a subsequent will, unless the latter contains an express revocation, or provisions wholly inconsistent with the terms of the former will. Otherwise, the prior will remains effectual so far as consistent with the provisions of the subsequent will.
11.02.140 Revocation of Subsequent Will: Effect upon Former Will
If, after making a will, the testator makes a second will, the destruction or other revocation of the second will does not revive the first will unless it appears by the terms of such revocation that it was the intention to revive and give effect to the first will, or unless, after such destruction or revocation, the first will is duly republished.
11.02.150 Marriage Revokes Will; If Wife or Issue Unprovided for
If, after any will, such testator marries and the husband, wife, or issue survives the testator, such will shall be deemed revoked as to such survivor, unless provision shall have been made for such survivor and such surviving husband, wife or issue shall be entitled to the same rights in, and to the same share or portion of the estate of the testator as he or she would have been, if such will had not been made.
11.02.160 Incumbrance Not a Revocation
A charge or encumbrance upon any estate for the purpose of securing the payment of money or the performance of any covenant or agreement, is not a revocation of any will relating to the same estate which was previously executed, but the devise and legacies therein contained must pass subject to such charge or encumbrance.
11.02.170 Agreement for Sale; No Revocation
An agreement for sale or partial conveyance of property disposed of by a will previously made by the testator does not revoke such disposal, but the property passes by the will, subject to the same remedies on the testator's agreement as might be had against the testator's successors, if the same had passed by succession.
11.02.180 Revocation Revokes Codicil
The revocation of a will revokes all its codicils.
11.02.190 Kindred Not Mentioned in Will Who Share in Estate
When any testator omits to provide for any of his children or for the issue of any deceased child, unless it appears such omission was intentional, such child, if unprovided for by any settlement, succeeds to the same portion of the estate that he would have succeeded to if the testator had died intestate. Such share must first be taken from the estate not disposed of by will, if any. If that is not sufficient, so much as may be necessary must be taken from all the devisees or legatees, in proportion to the value they may respectively receive under the will, unless the obvious intention of the testator in relation to some specific provision of the will would thereby be defeated. In such case, such provision may be exempted from such apportionment and a different apportionment, consistent with the intention of the testator, may be adopted. Such children who have had an equal proportion of the testator's estate bestowed on them in the testator's lifetime, by way of advancement, take nothing by virtue of this section.
11.02.200 Subscribing Witness; Rights Under Will
A subscribing witness to a will may take nothing by such will unless there be two (2) other competent subscribing witnesses to the same. Any devise to a subscribing witness is void only so far as the witness or anyone claiming under him is concerned, and such person will be a competent witness so far as the remainder of the will is concerned. In cases where such witness would have been entitled to share in the estate of the testator had there been no will, he succeeds to so much of the share as would be distributed to him, not to exceed what he would have taken by the will.
11.02.210 Probate of Will Not Prevented by Subsequent Incompetency of Witness
If the subscribing witnesses to a will are competent at the time of attesting its execution, their subsequent incompetency does not prevent the probate and allowance of the will if it is otherwise satisfactorily proved.
Chapter 11.03 Wills: Interpretation
11.03.010 Intention of Testator Governs
A will is to be construed according to the intention of the testator. Where his intention cannot have effect to its full extent, it must have effect as far as possible.
11.03.020 Will Excludes All Oral Declarations
In case of uncertainty arising upon the face of a will as to the application of any of its provisions, the testator's intention is to be ascertained from the words of the will, taking into view the circumstances in which it was made, exclusive of his oral declarations.
11.03.030 Construed Together If Several
Several testamentary instruments executed by the same testator are to be taken and construed together as one (1) instrument. However, if the several parts are irreconcilable, the latter parts must prevail.
11.03.040 Distinct Devise; Not Affected by Inaccuracies
A clear and distinct devise or bequest will not be affected by inference or argument from another part of the will, or by an inaccurate reference in another part of the will.
11.03.050 Ambiguities Construed by Other References
Where the meaning of any part of a will is ambiguous or doubtful, it may be explained by any reference thereto, or recital thereof, in another part of the will.
11.03.060 Words Taken in Ordinary Sense
The words of a will are to be taken in their ordinary and grammatical sense, unless a clear intention to use them in another sense can be ascertained.
11.03.070 Every Expression Given Effect
The words of a will are to receive an interpretation which will give to every expression some effect, rather than one which shall render any of the expressions inoperative.
11.03.080 To Prevent Intestacy
Any mode of interpreting a will shall be preferred which will prevent total intestacy.
11.03.090 Technical Words
Technical words are not necessary to give effect to any species of disposition by a will. If technical words are used, they are to be taken in their technical sense unless a contrary intention is clearly evident from the context.
11.03.100 Bequest of Residue
A devise or bequest of the residue of the testator's real or personal property passes all real or personal property which he was entitled to bequeath at the time of his death not otherwise effectually bequeathed by his will.
11.03.110 When Bequest Passes to Those Entitled to Succeed
A testamentary disposition to "heir", "relations", "nearest relations", "representatives", "legal representatives" or "personal representatives", or "family", "issue", "descendants", "nearest" or "next of kin", of any person, without other words of qualification, vests the property according to the provisions of this chapter. Such words are to be used as words of donation and not of limitation.
11.03.120 Postponed Possession
Words in a will referring to death of survivorship relate to the time of the testator's death, unless possession is actually postponed; then they must be referred to the time of possession.
11.03.130 Class Includes All
A testamentary disposition to a class includes every person answering the description at the testator's death, but if possession is postponed, it also includes all persons coming within the class at the time of possession.
11.03.140 When Real Property Deemed Personal Property
When a will directs the conversion of real property into money, such property and all its proceeds must be deemed personal property from the time of the testator's death.
11.03.150 Unborn Child Included
A child conceived before the testator's death, but not born until after his death, takes as a member of a class when the disposition to the class vests, if such child answers the description of the class.
11.03.160 Imperfect Description Corrected Without Evidence of Declarations
When applying a will it is found that there is an imperfect description, or that no person or property exactly answers the description, mistakes and omissions must be corrected if the error appears from the context of the will or from extrinsic evidence, but evidence of the declarations of the testator as to his intention cannot be received.
11.03.170 Testamentary Disposition; on Attaining Majority; Vests at Testator's Death
Testamentary dispositions, including devises and bequests to a person on attaining majority, are presumed to vest at the testator's death.
11.03.180 Divested Only by Precise Contingency
A testamentary disposition, when vested, cannot be divested unless upon the occurrence of the precise contingency prescribed by the testator for that purpose.
11.03.190 Interests in Remainder Unaffected
The death of a devisee or legatee of a limited interest before the testator's death does not defeat the interests of persons in remainder who survive the testator.
11.03.200 Conditional Disposition Defined
A conditional disposition is one which depends upon the occurrence of some uncertain event by which it is either to take effect or be defeated.
11.03.210 Condition Precedent
A condition precedent in a will is one which is required to be fulfilled before a particular disposition takes effect.
11.03.220 Condition Precedent Vests on Fulfillment; Exceptions
Where a testamentary disposition is made upon a condition precedent, nothing vests until the condition is fulfilled, except where such fulfillment is impossible, in which case the disposition vests, unless the condition was the sole motive thereof, and the impossibility was known to the testator or arose from an unavoidable event subsequent to the execution of the will.
When condition precedent deemed performed. A condition precedent in a wil1 is to be deemed performed when the testator's intention has been substantially, though not literally, complied with.
11.03.230 Condition Subsequent; When It Divests
A condition subsequent is where an estate or interest is so given as to vest immediately subject only to the divested by some subsequent act or event.
11.03.240 Owners in Common
A devise or legacy given to more than one (1) person vests in them as owners in common unless expressly declared in the will to create a joint tenancy.
Chapter 11.04 Wills: General Provisions
11.04.010 Legacies Classified
Legacies and dispositions of personality will are distinguished and designated according to their nature as follows:
(a) A legacy of a particular thing, specified and distinguished from all others of the same kind, belonging to the testator is specific if such legacy fails, resort cannot be had to other property of the testator;
(b) A legacy is demonstrative when the particular fund or personal property is pointed out from which it is to be taken or paid if such fund or property fails in whole or in part, resort may be had to the general assets;
(c) An annuity is a bequest of certain specified sums, periodically. If the fund or property out of which they are payable fails, resort may be had to the general assets;
(d) A residuary legacy embraces only that which remains after all the bequests of the will are discharged;
(e) All other legacies are general legacies.
11.04.020 Order in Which Property Applies to Debts
The property of the testator, except as otherwise specially provided in this Code, must be resorted to for the payment of debts in the following order:
(a) The property which is expressly appropriated by the will for the payment of the debts;
(b) Property not disposed of by the will;
(c) Property given to a residuary legatee;
(d) Property which is not specifically devised or bequeathed; and
(e) All property ratably.
Before any debts are paid, the expenses of the administration and the allowance to the family must be paid or provided for. The property of a testator, except as otherwise specially provided in this Code, must be resorted to for the payment of legacies in the following order:
(f) The property which is expressly appropriated by the will for the payment of the legacies;
(g) Property not disposed of by the will;
(h) Property which is devised or bequeathed to a residuary legatee;
(i) Property which is specifically devised or bequeathed.
11.04.030 Income After Death
In case of a bequest of the interest or income of a certain sum or fund, the income accrues from the testator's death.
11.04.040 Legacy in Fear of Death Satisfied Before Death
A legacy or a gift, in contemplation, fear, or peril of death, may be satisfied before death.
11.04.050 Who Entitled to Letters Testamentary
Where it appears from the terms of the will that it was the intention of the testator to commit the execution thereof, and the administration of his estate to a certain person as executor, such person, although not named executor, is entitled to letters of administration in like manner as if he had been named executor.
11.04.060 Authority to Executor to Appoint; Void
An authority to an executor to appoint an executor is void.
11.04.070 Powers to Executor Before Qualifying
No person has any power as an executor until he qualifies by posting bond in an amount to be set by the Court, except that, before letters of administration have been issued, he may pay funeral charges and take necessary measures for the preservation of the estate. The powers and duties of an executor shall be those as are prescribed under the laws of North Dakota.
Chapter 11.05 Disposition of Property of Decedent Willfully Killed
11.05.010 Definition of Terms
(a) The term "slayer" shall mean any person who willfully and unlawfully takes, or procures to be taken, the life of another;
(b) The term "decedent" shall mean any person whose life is so taken;
(c) The term "property" shall include all property and any right or interest therein.
11.05.020 Willful Slayer Shall Not Benefit by Succession, Will or in Any Way
A willful slayer shall not take from the decedent's estate by succession, will, or in any way, nor shall the heirs of the slayer take from him by representation, and the slayer shall be deemed to have predeceased the decedent in consideration of all interests unless specifically stated otherwise in this Code.
11.05.030 Disposition of Joint Property and Rights
(a) One-half (1/2) of any property held by the slayer and the decedent as joint tenants, joint owners, or joint obligees shall pass upon the death of the decedent to his estate, and the other half (1/2) shall pass to his estate upon the death of the slayer unless the slayer obtains a separation or severance of the property, or a decree granting partition.
(b) As to property held jointly by three (3) or more persons, including the slayer and the decedent, any enrichment which would have accrued to the slayer as a result of the death of the decedent shall pass to the estate of the decedent. If the slayer becomes the final survivor, one-half (1/2) of the property shall immediately pass to the estate of the decedent, and the other half (1/2) shall pass to his estate upon the death of the slayer unless the slayer obtains a separation or severance of the property or a decree granting partition.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not affect any enforceable agreement between the parties or any trust arising because a greater proportion of the property has been contributed by one party than the other.
11.05.040 Protection of Bona Fide Purchasers Without Notice
The provisions of this chapter shall not affect the rights of any persons who, before the interests of the slayer, have been adjudicated, purchased from the slayer for value without notice, property which the slayer would have acquired, except for the terms of this chapter, but all proceeds received by the slayer from such sale shall be held by him in trust for the persons entitled to the property under the provisions of this chapter, and the slayer shall also be liable both for any portion of such proceeds which he may have dissipated, and for any difference between the actual value of the property and the amount of such proceeds.
11.05.050 Record of Conviction Admissible in Evidence
The record of his conviction of having willfully and unlawfully killed the decedent shall be admissible in evidence against a claimant of property in any civil action arising under this chapter.
Chapter 11.06 Simultaneous Death Law
11.06.010 No Sufficient Evidence of Survivorship
Where the title to property, or the devolution thereof, depends upon priority of death and there is no sufficient evidence that the persons have died otherwise then simultaneously, the property of each person shall be disposed of as if he had survived, except as provided otherwise in this chapter.
11.06.020 Beneficiaries of Another Person's Disposition of Property
Where two (2) or more beneficiaries are designated to take successively by reason of survivorship under another person's disposition of property and there is no sufficient evidence that these beneficiaries have died otherwise than simultaneously, the property thus disposed of shall be divided into as many equal portions as there are successive beneficiaries and these portions shall be distributed respectively to those who would have taken in the event that each designated beneficiary had survived.
11.06.030 Joint Tenants or Tenants by the Entirety
Where there is no sufficient evidence that two (2) joint tenants or tenants by the entirety have died otherwise than simultaneously, the property so held shall be distributed one-half (1/2) as if one had survived and one-half (1/2) as if the other had survived. If there are more than two (2) joint tenants and all of them have so died, the property thus distributed shall be in the proportion that one bears to the whole number of joint tenants.
11.06.040 Insurance Policies
Where the insured, and the beneficiary in a policy of life or accident insurance have died and there is no sufficient evidence that they have died otherwise than simultaneously, the proceeds of the policy shall be distributed as if the insured had survived the beneficiary.
11.06.050 Chapter Does Not Apply If Decedent Provides Otherwise
This chapter shall not apply in the case of wills, living trusts, deeds or contracts of insurance wherein provision has been made for distribution of property different from the provisions of this chapter.
Chapter 11.07 Probate Procedure
11.07.010 Power of Court as to Estates
Probate administration, as provided in this chapter, may be had when the decedent was a resident of this reservation at the time of his death, or died therein, or left property, real or personal therein.
11.07.020 Petition; Contents
A petition for such probate administration may be filed by any person claiming to be an heir, heir at law, legatee, devisee, or creditor of the decedent. Such petition must set forth:
(a) The name, post office address, and place of death of the decedent;
(b) The name, post office address, and relationship of the petitioner to the decedent, or if petitioner is a creditor, the amount of his claim and the origin thereof;
(c) Whether or not the decedent left a will and, if so, the original must be attached to the petition or, in case the original cannot be found, a complete explanation of the failure to find such will must be set forth and the contents of such will must be stated as nearly as possible;
(d) The names, post office addresses and respective relationships to the decedent of all of his heirs, heirs at law, legatees, and devisees;
(e) So far as known to petitioner, the names and post office addresses of all creditors of the decedent with the amounts owing to each of such creditors respectively, and with a further statement that if there are other creditors, they are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained;
(f) A statement in detail as to all property, whether real or personal, left by the decedent giving an adequate legal description of all items of real estate not under the administration of the United States government, and a sufficient description to identify all items of personal property, and with the value of each item of real or personal property, according to petitioner's best knowledge, information, and belief;
(g) If any of the persons designated in Subdivisions (d) and (e) of this section are minors or adjudged mentally incompetent, the names and post office addresses of any guardians of the person and estate or either, and the names and post office addresses of any guardians ad litem. Such petition must be verified by the petitioner, or his agent or attorneys and, if not verified by petitioner personally, the reason must be stated. Such verification must set forth that as to the valuations assigned to the decedent's property, the same are correct according to petitioner's best knowledge, information and belief, and, as to other matters required, the verification must be positive as to the petitioner's own knowledge or, if on information and belief, must show the source of such information and belief.
11.07.030 Notice of Hearing on Petition
Upon such petition being filed, the Court must fix a time and place for hearing thereon and give notice thereof, as provided in this section. Such notice must set forth:
(a) The name, post office address, and date of death of the decedent;
(b) The name and post office address of the petitioner;
(c) The total value of decedent's estate as set forth in the petition;
(d) The time and place of hearing;
(e) That upon such hearing the Court will determine whether such estate is to be distributed forthwith and, if so, to whom the same is to be distributed;
(f) That upon such hearing, any heir, heir at law, legatee, devisee, creditor, or person interested may appear and assert any right as to such estate, and, if he desires, show cause why such petition should not be granted;
(g) That if such distribution is made, the claim of any creditor not presented at such hearing will be barred. Such notice must, before the time fixed for the hearing, be published in the County newspaper once each week for three (3) successive weeks and, at least ten (10) days before the date set for hearing, notice must be mailed to all heirs, heirs at law, legatees, devisees, and known creditors of the decedent at their respective post office addresses as set forth in the petition, and to the guardian of the person and estate, or either, and guardian ad litem of any minor or person adjudged mentally incompetent, who is among the persons to whom such notice is required to be mailed under the provisions of this section.
11.07.040 Hearing upon Petition
At the hearing fixed as provided in Section 11.07.030 of this Code and, upon proof that the required notice has been given, the Court shall proceed with inquiry into the matter allowed by such petition and shall give all persons interested full opportunity to be heard.
11.07.050 Decision of Court
The Court shall proceed, in a summary manner, to adjust and determine the respective rights of all persons interested, including amounts actually owing to the respective creditors, if any, and the rights of such creditors as to priority. If it is claimed that the decedent left a will, the same must apply in determining and adjusting the rights of all persons interested, including creditors, if any, and the Court shall enter findings of fact and conclusions of law. Such findings of fact must show:
(a) The name, residence, and place of death of the decedent;
(b) Each item of personal property and any real property over which the Court has jurisdiction, left by decedent with its value as determined by the Court;
(c) The reasonable expenses of petitioner in the proceeding;
(d) All facts relevant to the setting aside of exempt property, whether real or personal, or both, including the names of the persons entitled thereto, and the basic facts on which they are entitled thereto;
(e) The amount owing to each creditor, if any, with creditors classified according to priority;
(f) The heirs, heirs at law, legatees, and devisees entitled to share in the estate, and the respective shares or amounts which they are entitled to receive.
11.07.060 Decree of Distribution
Upon entry of such findings of fact and conclusions of law, the Court shall enter a decree based on such findings and conclusions, and which" shall distribute the estate as follows and in the order of priority set forth:
(a) To reimbursement of the petitioner for reasonable expense incurred in the proceedings;
(b) If decedent left surviving him persons entitled to claim as exempt the whole or any portion of said estate as described in Section 4.02 of this Code, to such persons to the full extent of any and all such rights;
(c) To creditors, according to the rights of such creditors as to priority under the provisions of this title and if the estate is insufficient to satisfy in full the amounts found owing to creditors of any class, then pro rata to such creditors in such class;
(d) To the heirs, heirs at law, legatees, or devisees of the decedent according to the provisions of this title. No further action whatsoever shall be required as to the distribution of such estate. The decree of the Court shall have the force and effect as a final decree. A certified copy of such decree must be filed and recorded in the office of the Tribal Clerk.
11.07.070 Sales May Be Made When Necessary
If necessary for the distribution of the estate, the Court may order the sale of any property, whether real or personal, and for that purpose may appoint an agent to act for the Court for the purpose of such sale and may direct the terms and conditions on which such sale may be made, and the notice of sale to be given, or dispense with such notice entirely if the Court deems it advisable. The order appointing such agent shall specify his authority, and may require a bond or not, as the Court sees fit. In case of such sale, the Court may delay the entry of the decree distributing the estate until the sale is made. An order of the Court confirming any such sale shall have the same force and effect as a similar order under other provisions of this title.
