Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook

There are all sorts of forms executors, beneficiaries, and probate court clerks have to fill out and correspond with during probate and estate settlement, including affidavits, letters, petitions, summons, orders, and notices.

Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook is a commonly used form within North Dakota. Here’s an overview of what the form is and means, including a breakdown of the situations when (or why) you may need to use it:

Atticus Fast Facts About Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook

Sometimes it’s tough to find a quick summary— here’s the important details you should know about Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook:

• This form pertains to the State of North Dakota

• The current version of this form was last revised on April 25, 2021

Government forms are not typically updated often, though when they are, it often happens rather quietly. While Atticus works hard to keep this information about North Dakota’s Form Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook up to date, certain details can change from time-to-time with little or no communication.

Step 1 - Download the correct North Dakota form based on the name and ID if applicable

Double check that you have both the correct form name and the correct form ID. Some North Dakota probate forms can look remarkably similar, so it’s best to double, even triple-check that you’re using the right one! Keep in mind that not all States have a standardized Form ID system for their probate forms.

Step 2 - Complete the Document

Fill out all relevant fields in Form Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook, take a break, and then review. Probate and estate settlement processes in ND are long enough to begin with, and making a silly error can push your timeline even farther back. No thank you!

Note: If you don’t currently know all of the answers and are accessing Form Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook online, be sure to avoid closing the browser tab and potentially losing all your progress (or use a platform like Atticus to help avoid making mistakes).

Step 3 - Have Form witnessed or notarized (if required)

Some States and situations require particular forms to be notarized. If you have been instructed to get the document notarized or see it in writing on the document, then make sure to hire a local notary. There are max notary fees in the United States that are defined and set by local law. Take a look at our full guide to notary fees to make sure you aren’t overpaying or getting ripped off.

Step 4 - Submit Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook to the relevant office

This is most often the local probate court where the decedent (person who passed away) is domiciled (permanently resides) or the institution involved with this particular form (e.g. a bank). Some offices allow you to submit forms online, other’s don’t, and we while we generally recommend going in-person to expedite the process, sometimes that simply isn’t an option.

It’s also a generally good idea to establish a positive working relationship with any probate clerk (unfortunately there’s enough people & process out there making things more difficult and unnecessarily confusing for them), so a best practice is to simply ask the probate clerk proactively exactly how and where they’d prefer you to submit all forms.

Need help getting in touch with a local probate court or identifying a domicile probate jurisdiction?

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Different probate forms or processes can require different deadlines or response times for completing the appropriate form.

While some steps in the process are bound to specific deadlines (like petitioning for probate, having to submit an inventory of assets, or filing applicable notices to creditors and beneficiaries), many probate forms or processes are not tied to a specific deadline since the scope of work can vary based on situational factors or requirements involved.

Either way, there are a bunch of practical reasons why personal representatives should work to complete each step as thoroughly and quickly as possible when completing probate in North Dakota.

5 reasons you should submit this form as quickly as possible:

1. The sooner you begin, the faster North Dakota can allow heirs and beneficiaries to get their share of assets subject to probate. Acting promptly can also decrease the costs & overall mental fatigue through an otherwise burdensome process.
   
   Helpful Context: What’s the Difference Between Probate and Non-Probate Assets?

2. In general, creditors of an estate usually have around 3-6 months from the time you file notice to creditors to file any claims for debt against the deceased’s assets. If they don’t, then that debt is forfeited (and more importantly, the executor won’t be held personally responsible). So doing this sooner means you have a better idea of who is owed what and ensures you won’t get a surprise collector months later.

3. Not filing a will within 30 days (on average) could mean that the probate process proceeds according to intestate laws (laws that govern what happens to someone's stuff without a will) or is subject to unnecessary supervision by the probate court. And if you aren't directly related to the deceased (a.k.a. next of kin), this could also mean you lose your inheritance.

4. It’s important to file any necessary state tax returns on behalf of the deceased or estate by the following tax season in North Dakota. If you don’t, you could owe penalties and interest. This also includes any necessary federal tax returns such as Forms 1040, 1041, or even a Form 706 estate tax return.

5. If a house in the State of North Dakota is left empty (or abandoned) for a while, insurance can get dicey. For example, if the house burns down and no one has been there for a year, an insurance company may get out of paying your claim.

If you’re not using Atticus to get specific forms, deadlines, and timelines for North Dakota probate, then try and stay as organized as possible, pay close attention to the dates mentioned in any correspondence you have with the State’s government officials, call the local North Dakota probate clerk or court for exact answers regarding Form Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook, and when in doubt— consult a qualified trust & estates lawyer for that area.

Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook is one of the many probate court forms available for download through Atticus.

It may also be available through some North Dakota probate court sites, such as . In order to access the latest version, be updated with any revisions, and get full instructions on how to complete each form, check out the Atticus Probate & Estate Settlement software or consider hiring a qualified legal expert locally within North Dakota.

While Atticus automatically provides the latest forms, be sure to choose the correct version of Form Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook f using any other site or resource in order to avoid having to re-complete the form process and/or make another trip to the North Dakota probate court office.

Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook is a .pdf, so opening it should be as simple as clicking “View Form” from within the Atticus app or by clicking the appropriate link found on any North Dakota-provided government platform. Once you’ve opened the form, you should be able to directly edit the form before saving or printing.

Here’s the text, verbatim, that is found on North Dakota Form Informal Administration Of An Estate Guidebook. You can use this to get an idea of the context of the form and what type of information is needed.

ND STATE COURTS Informal Administration of an Estate Informal Probate OFFICE OF STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR Informal Administration of an Estate Table of Contents Introduction Handling the Small Estate in North Dakota in Informal Proceedings First-Step - Listing of Property Safe Deposit Box Estate Tax Income Tax Non-Probate Property Opening and Probating the Estate A. Probate Estate $50,000 or Less B. P robate Estate Greater than $50,000 or Real Property 1. If decedent left will 2. If decedent did not leave a will C. Priority for Appointment as Personal Representative Duties of Personal Representative A. Times within which certain steps must be taken B. Times after which certain steps may be taken C. Times after which certain steps cannot be taken Distribution of the Estate A. If a Will B. If no Will Closing the Estate Appendix A Time Schedule Informal Probate Proceedings Times after which certain steps may be taken Times within which certain steps must be taken Times after which certain steps cannot be taken Appendix B Checklist of Forms Forms for estate less than $50,000, no real property Forms for estate greater than $50,000 with a will Forms for estate greater than $50,000 no will Appendix C Glossary of Terms (Revised 4/25/2022) Introduction North Dakota has a d opted the Unifo rm Probate Code, which allows a person to i nformally probate a Will and have a p ersonal representative appointed with out the necessity of a court appearance or a court hearing, as long as the proper forms are filed and the co rrect procedures followed. The purpose of t his packet is to help North Dakota citizens understand the procedures tha t must be followed and forms that must be filed with regard to the informal probate o f a Will and/or the a ppointment of a personal representative of an estate of a deceased citizen. Since each estate has different needs, it's important to know the proper methods of managing a particular estate. The information in this packet s hould assist in selecting and filing the correct forms wit h the court in order to in formally administer an estate and to h ave, if ne eded, a pe rsonal representative appointed. The necessary probate f orms may be purchased from the district c ourt or obtained online at ndcourts.gov Checklist of Forms. The North Dakota tax f orms are available from the State Tax Commissioner, State Capitol, Bismarck. The federal income and e state tax f orms are available from your local IRS office and on the internet. This packet has limitations. It can't and won't address every legal question that could arise in a particular estate, nor does it co ver all the responsibilities and liabilities of t he personal representative and/o r the heirs, suc h as th e fi ling of income tax returns. Matters no t properly handle d coul d create problems and expense for the estate and the heirs if they must be dealt with after the estate is initially closed. Therefore, since each estate, no matter how small, can raise many serious legal questions, you're advised that you're proceeding at your own risk. The law forbids the district court judge or court personnel to give legal advice on how to administer an estate. In legal matters, you should exercise caution and good judgment in proceeding without the advice of an attorney. If, after reviewing this packet, you're unable to determine how or whether to proceed, consult an attorney licensed to practice in North Dakota. References to N.D.C.C. or in [ ] mean the North Dakota Century Code. The Century Code is available at most public and university libraries and at the district court's office in each county. (Revised 4/25/2022) Handling the Small Estate in North Dakota in Informal Proceedings First Step - Listing of Property Most of the work required to be done in an estate is the legal and orderly transfer of the decedent's property to the persons entitled to receive it. The first step to be taken in any estate is to prepare a list (See Fig. A) of all the property owned by the decedent (the person who has died). The value of each item is the fair market value as of the date of the decedent's death. Figure A: The list should identify the amount of any encumbrance (debt or lien) that exists on any item of property. [N.D.C.C. 30.1-18- 06.] All reasonable steps must be taken for the management and protection of the property. [N.D.C.C. 30.1-18- 09.] (Revised 4/25/2022) Safe Deposit Box A.If a decedent rented a safe deposit box jointly with another person or persons, no court order or affidavit is needed for the other person to access the box [N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-05]. B.If a safe deposit box was rented in decedent's name alone, prepare an Affidavit for Access to Safe Deposit Box (Form 8) and present signed Affidavit to bank. C.On the first visit to bank, r emove decedent's will. Will is to be filed with the court if the estate needs to be probated. Estate Tax Consult an accountant for the most current information on estate tax. Income Tax Estate income tax returns may be required if the estate had gross income of $600 or more for the tax year. Forms and instructions are available from the Internal Revenue Service and State Tax Commissioner. Non-Probate Property A. Real property own ed by decedent and others as joint tenants is transferred by filing a certified death certificate and property description with the county recorder. B. Other non-probate property interests are transferred or terminated by presenting a death certificate to the holder. (Revised 4/25/2022) Opening and Probating the Estate A. Probate Estate $50,000 or Less and No Real Property. If t he total value of the p robate property (Fig. A, C olumns A an d B) less the encumbrances on those items of property is $ 50,000 or under and no real p roperty is involved [N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-01]: 1. After 30 days have elapsed since decedent's death, prepare Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property ( Form 1). 2. Present Affidavit to holder of the personal property for transfer to successor (person entitled to receive it). B. Probate Es tate Greater Than $50,000 or Real P roperty. If total value of probate property (Fig. A, Columns A and B) less the encumbrances on those items of property is over $50,000, or if the probate property includes real property, appoint personal representative to administer the estate and distribute decedent's property to the person or persons entitled to receive it, as follows: 1. If decedent left a Will. Anytime after five days of decedent's death, file with district court: a. Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of a Personal Representative ( Form 2). b. Letters Testamentary ( Form 4). c. Statement of Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of a Personal Representative ( Form 3). d. Original Will of decedent. e. Filing fee of $80. 2.If decedent didn't leave a Will, after five days of decedent's death, file w ith district court: a.Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative in Intestacy (Form 17). b.Letters of Administration (Form 19). c.Statement of Informal Appointment of Personal Representative (Form 18). d.Filing fee of $80. (Revised 4/25/2022) C.Priority for appointment as personal representative [N.D.C.C. 30.1-13-03]. 1.Person or persons nominated in decedent's Will. 2.Alternate person or persons nominated in decedent's Will. 3.The surviving spouse of the decedent who is entitled to receive property of the decedent under the decedent's Will. 4.Other persons entitled to receive property of decedent through the decedent's Will. 5.The surviving spouse of the decedent. 6.Other heirs of the decedent. 7.The guardian or conservator of the decedent at the time of the decedent's death. 8.A trust company. 9.Forty-five days after decedent's death, any creditor. If the person seeking appointment doesn't ha ve highest priority, secure a signed Waiver of Appointment (Form 9) from all persons who have a higher or equal right to the appointment. File waivers with the district court along with other appointment documents. (Revised 4/25/2022) Duties of Personal Representative No bond is required of a personal representative who is administering an estate under the guidelines of this packet. However, the personal representative is acting as a trustee of the estate property. If the exercise of power concerning the estate is improper, the personal representative is liable to interested persons for loss or damage resulting from the improper conduct. The duties of a personal representative appear in Chapter 30.1-18 of the Nort h Dakota Century Code. A personal representative must keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements (Form 14). The personal representative must keep estate property separate from their own property until the assets are distributed. Although the assistance of an attorney isn't required for informal proceedings, the personal representative should consult with an attorney if uncertain how to proceed. A.Times within which certain steps must be taken. 1.Within 30 days after appointment, prepare Notice and Information to Heirs and Devisees (Form 5). Send copy to each heir and devisee [N.D.C.C. 30.1-18-05, see also 30.1-14-06]. 2.Within six months after appointment or nine months after the death of the decedent, whichever is later, prepare the inventory (Form 10). File the original inventory with district court [N.D.C.C. 30.1-18-06]. If the inventory isn't filed with the court, mail a copy of the inventory to each of the heirs in an intestate estate or to each of the devisees if a will has been probated, and to any other interested persons who request a copy. 3.After appointment, send Affidavit Forwarding Application to Human Services (Form 7), copy of application for appointment (Form 2 or 17), and a list of surviving joint tenants to the Department of Human Services, State Capitol, Bismarck, ND 58505 [N.D.C.C. 50-06.3-07]. 4.Within three months after mailing Notice to Creditors (Form 6) to creditors who are known to the Personal Representative and after first publication of Notice to Creditors, or within three years after decedent's death if notice to creditors has not been published and mailed, creditors must file any claims against the estate [N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-01; N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-03]. 5.Within 60 days after the time for original presentation of a claim has expired, if the claim is to be disallowed, it must be disallowed in writing or will be deemed to be approved and must then be paid [N.D.C.C. 30.1 -19-06]. 6.Within nine months after decedent's death, if filing requirement exists (1) , U.S. Estate Tax Return and supporting documents must be filed and tax paid. 7.Within 15 months after decedent's death, if U.S. Estate Tax Return was filed, the N.D. Estate Tax Return and supporting documents must be filed and tax paid [N.D.C.C. 57-37.1-07]. 8.Within three years after decedent's death, creditors may file claims in estates in which Notice to Creditors was not published [N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-03]. (Revised 4/25/2022) B.Times after which certain steps may be taken. 1.Any time after appointment of personal representative, Notice to Creditors (Form 6) may be published, but this isn't required [N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-01]. 2.If Notice to Creditors is published, three months after first publication, personal representative shall proceed to pay claims allowed in the following order of priority [N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-05]: a.Costs and expenses of administration. b.Reasonable funeral expenses. c.Debts and taxes with preference under federal law. d.Reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last illness of the decedent, including compensation of persons attending the decedent. e.Unpaid child support obligations. f.Debts and taxes with preferences under other laws of this state. g.All other claims. 3.After assets have been gathered and all claims paid, the personal representative may distribute remaining assets to the heirs. Personal property is distributed by Personal Representative's Assignment (Form 13). Real property is distributed to heirs or devisees by Personal Representative's Deed of Distribution (Form 11). Real property that is sold by a Personal Representative is transferred by a Personal Representative's Deed (Form 12). Deeds must be recorded along with a certified copy of personal representative's Letters Testamentary (Form 4) or Letters of Administration (Form 19), certified on or after the date of the deed. C.Times after which certain steps can't be ta ken. 1.Three months after first publication of Notice to Creditors, time for filing claims expires. No claims may be filed by creditors after this date [N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-03]. 2.Three years after decedent's death - generally no informal proceedings for appointment of personal representative may be started [N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-01]. 3.Three years after decedent's death - time for filing claims expires in estates in which Notice to Creditors wasn't published. No claims may be filed by creditors after this date [N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-03]. (Revised 4/25/2022) Distribution of the Estate Distribution is made as follows: A. If a Will. If decedent left a Will, according to the decedent's Will, except: 1. A devisee may renounce in writing devisee's interest under the Will [N.D.C.C. 30.1-10.1]. 2. A surviving spouse may elect in writing, within the later of nine months after decedent's death or six months after probate of the Will, to take one-half of the augmented estate regardless of what is specified in the Will. Notice to interested persons and a court hearing are required on the written petition filed with the court and personal representative [N.D.C.C. 30.1-05- 01 and 30.1-05-05]. B. If no Will. If the decedent left no Will, according to N.D. laws of intestate succession, as follows [N.D.C.C. 30.1- 04]: 1.If decedent left a surviving spouse, the share of the intestate estate which a s urviving spouse receives is [ N.D.C.C. 30.1-04-0 2]: a.If there are no surviving descendants (such as chil dren or grandchildren) or parent of the deceased or i f all of the surviving descendants of the deceased are also descendants of the surviving spouse and there is no other descendant of the surviving spouse who survives the decedent (for example, children from a pri or marriage of the surviving spouse), the surviving spouse receives the entire intestate estate. b.If there are no surviving descendants, but the decedent is survived by a parent or parents, the surviving spouse receives the first $300,000 of the estate assets, plus three-fourths of the balance of the intestate estate. c.If there are surviving descendants of the decedent, all of whom are also descendants of the surviving spouse, and surviving spouse also had descendants who are not descendants of the decedent (i.e., surviving spouse has descendants from a prior marriage), the surviving spouse recei ves the first $250,000 of the estate assets, pl us one-half of the balance of the intestate estate. d.If there are surviving descendants, one or more of whom are not descendants of the surviving spouse, the surviving spouse receives the first $150,000 of the estate assets pl us one-half of the balance of the intestate estate. (Revised 4/25/2022) 2.If part of the intestate estate doesn't pass to the surviving spouse as listed above, or if there is no surviving spouse, the intestate estate passes as follows: a.To the descendants of the decedent, who will take by representation. b.If there are no surviving descendants, to the decedent's parent or parents equally if both survive, or to the surviving parent. c.If there are no surviving descendants or parent, to the descendants of the decedent's parents or either of them by representation (i.e., decedent's brothers and sisters, then nieces and nephews). d.If there are no surviving descendants, parent, or descendants of a parent, but the decedent is survived by one or more grandparents or descendants of grandparents: i.Half of the estate passes to the decedent's paternal grandparents equally if both survive, or to the surviving paternal grandparent, or to the descendants of the decedent's paternal grandparents or either of them if both are deceased, by representation; and ii.The other half passes to the decedent's maternal relatives in the same manner. e.If there is no surviving descendant, parent, or descendant of a parent, but the descendant is survived by one or more grandparents or descendants of grandparents on the paternal but not the maternal side, or on the maternal but not the paternal side, to the descendant's relatives on the side with one or more surviving members in the manner as describd in subsection d above. f.If there is no surviving spouse, descendant, parents, descendant of a parent, grandparent, or descendant of a grandparent, but the intestate decedent has one deceased spouse who has one or more descendants who survive the decedent, to those descendants by representation or has more than one deceased spouse who has one or more descendants who survive the decedent, the estate is divided into as many equal shares as there are deceased spouses, each share passing to those descendants by representation. 3.An heir may renounce an interest and the surviving spouse make the election as in the estate where there is a Will. (Revised 4/25/2022) Closing the Estate A.After the claims have been paid and assets of the estate distributed, the estate is closed as follows: 1.For small estates ( 2) in which Notice to Creditors hasn't been published, file Sworn Statement of Personal Representative Closing a Small Estate (Form 16). It may be filed with district court anytime after assets have been distributed [N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-03 and 30.1-23-04]. 2.For any size estates in which Notice to Creditors has been published, file Personal Representative's Verified Statement to Close Estate (Form 15). It may be filed with district court anytime after assets have been distributed, but not before three months after the first publication of Notice to Creditors [N.D.C.C. 30.1-21-03]. B.If no proceedings involving the Personal Representative are pending in the court one year after either closing statement is filed, the appointment of the personal representative terminates. (Revised 4/25/2022) Appendix A : Time Schedule for Informal Probate Proceedings Times after which certain steps may be taken: Five (5) days after decedent's death - informal proceedings may be started. Thirty (30) days a fter decedent's death - Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property may be prepared and presented. Anytime after appointment of personal representative - personal re presentative may publish Notice to Creditors. Three (3) months a fter first publication of Notice to Creditors - personal representative ŵƵƐƚ pay claims allowed in order of priority. Three (3) months after first publication of Notice to Creditors͕ Closing Statement may be prepared and filed by the personal representative at this time if assets are distributed. Anytime after assets of the estate have been distributed͕ Closing Statement may be prepared and filed by the personal representative in estates in which Notice to Creditors hasn't been published. Times within which certain steps must be tak en: Within thirty (30) days a fter appointment of personal representative - Notice of Appointment of personal representative must be sent to heirs and devisees. Aft er appointment of Personal Representative - send copy of Application for Appointment of Personal Representative and list of names of devisees, surviving joint tenants, and heirs to the Department of Human Services. Within sixty (60) days after the time for original presentation of claim has expired, if claim is to be disallowed, claim must be disallowed in writing or it will be deemed to be approved and must then be paid. Within three (3) months a fter first publication of Notice to Creditors - creditors must file any claims against the estate within this time period. Within six (6) months after appointment of Personal Representative or nine (9) months after the death of the decedent, whichever is later, inventory must be prepared a nd copies distributed to heirs/ devisees or original filed with district court. (Revised 4/25/2022) Within nine ;εͿ months after decedent's death͕ if required, United States Estate Tax Return must be prepared and filed and tax paid. Within fifteen ;1ρͿ months after decedent's death͕ if required, North Dakota Estate Tax Return must be prepared and filed and tax paid. Within three (3) years after decedent's death, creditors may file claims in estates in which Notice to Creditors hasn't been published. Times after which certain steps can't be taken: Three (3) months after first publication of Notice to Creditors, time for filing claims expires. No claims may be filed by creditors after this date. Nine (9) months after decedent's death or six (6) months after probate of decedent's will, whichever occurs last, surviving spouse may no longer petition to take their elective share in the augmented estate after these time limits. Three (3) years after decedent's death, generally no informal proceedings for appointment of personal representative may be started. Three (3) years after decedent's death, time for filing claims expires in estates in which Notice to Creditors wasn't published. No claims may be filed by creditors after this date. (Revised 4/25/2022) Appendix B Checklist of Forms You may use this sheet to list or check off the most common forms you may need to file in order to a dminister an estate. These forms can be purchased from any district court or obtained online at ndcourts.gov. Tax forms may be obtained free from the State Tax Commissioner and Internal Revenue Service. If a form isn't in this guidebook, you'll need to either create the probate document yourself or retain an attorney to do so. ____ Figure A - Inventory of Decedent's Property Forms for estate less than $50,000, no real property ____ Form 1 - Affidavit for Collec tion of Personal Property Forms for estate greater than $50,000, with a will ____ Form 2 - Application Informal Probate/Appointment of Personal Representative ____ Form 3 - Statement of Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative ____ Form 4 - Letters Testamentary ____ Form 5 - Notice and Information to Heirs & Devisees ____ Form 6 - Notice to Creditors ____ Form 7 - Affidavit Forwarding Application to Human Services ____ Form 8 - Affidavit for Access to Safe Deposit Box ____ Form 9 - Waiver of Right of Appointment ____ Form 10 - Inventory and Appraisement ____ Form 11 - Personal Representative Deed of Distribution ____ Form 13 - Personal Representative Assignment ____ Form 14 - Record of Receipts & Disbursements ____ Form 15 - Personal Representative Verified Statement to Close Estate ____ Form 16 - Sworn Statement of Personal Representative to Close a Small Estate (Revised 4/25/2022) Forms for estate greater than $50,000, no will ____ Form 17 - Application for I nformal Appointment of P ersonal Representative in Intestacy ____ Form 18 - Statement of Informal Appointment of P ersonal Representative ____ Form 19 - Letters of Ad ministration ____ Form 5 - Notice an d Information to H eirs and Devisees ____ Form 6 - Notice to Creditors ____ Form 7 - Affidavit Forwarding Petition to H uman Services ____ Form 8 - Affidavit for Access to Sa fe Deposit Box ____ Form 9 - Waiver of Right of A ppointment ____ Form 10 - Inventory and Ap praisement ____ Form 11 - Personal Representative Deed of Distribution ____ Form 12 - Personal Representative's Deed (Sale of Real Property) ____ Form 13 - Personal Representative's Ass ignment ____ Form 14 - Record of Receipts & Disbursements ____ Form 15 - Personal Representative Verified Statement to C lose E state ____ Form 16 - Sworn Statement of P ersonal Re presentative to Close a Small Estate (Revised 4/25/2022) Appendix C Glossary of Terms Augmented Estate - The value of the estate reduced by funeral and administration expenses, homestead, and family allowances and exemptions, and enforceable claims to which is added the value of certain specified property transfers and property owned by the decedent's surviving spouse at the decedent's death - see N orth Dakota Century C ode § 30.1-05-02(2). The surviving spouse may elect to take one -half of it in lieu of a share in the will or an intestate share. Bond - A written agreement with an insurance company or other surety that, in the event that the personal representative causes a certain loss to the estate, the insurance company or surety will make up that loss. Decedent - A deceased person; the person who died. Descendant - All descendants of all generations, with the relationship of parent and child at each generation being determined by the definition of child and parent contained in N.D.C.C. Title 30.1. (See also N.D.C.C. Ch. 30.1-01, N.D.C.C. Ch. 30.1-04.) Devisee - A person who takes the decedent's property through a provision in the Will. Encumbrance - A claim or liability on property whose value is lessened because of that claim or liability; includes easements, mortgages, liens, etc. Estate - All the property that the decedent owned or had an interest in on the date of death. Heir - A person entitled to take the decedent's property according to the laws of intestate succession. Informal Proceedings - Appointment of personal representative and administration of an estate with limited supervision by the court or notice to interested persons. However, an interested person can apply to the district court for formal proceedings or supervision by the court, in which case the court will determine how to proceed. Interested Persons - Includes heirs, devisees, children, spouse, creditors, beneficiaries, and any others having a property right in or claim against the estate of a decedent which may be affected by the particular proceeding. Intestate - A decedent who left no Will. Intestate Succession - The laws that stipulate who is to take the decedent's property if the decedent dies without a Will or if the decedent's Will does not dispose of all the property. Issue - A person's lineal desce ndants of all generations; includes a person's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc. (Revised 4/25/2022) Joint Tenants - Persons who own property with the equal right to share the property during their lives; on one person's death, the property passes to and is then owned by the survivor or survivors. Lien - A claim against property to secure a debt. Non-probate Property - That portion of the decedent's estate that passes automatically, such as to the surviving joint tenant(s) or to a designated beneficiary. Personal Property - All property other than real property; includes money, stock, automobiles, household furnishings, etc. Personal Representative - Person or persons appointed by the court to settle and distribute the estate of a decedent. Probate Property - That portion of the decedent's estate which passes by decedent's Will or by the laws of intestate succession. Property - Includes both real and personal property or any interest therein, and means anything that may be the subject of ownership. Real Property - Land and things attached to the land such as buildings. Security Interest - A claim against property that is held to make sure money is paid or that something is done; includes mortgages, liens, etc. Successors - Persons, other than creditors, who are entitled to property of a decedent under the decedent's Will or under the laws of intestate succession. Venue - The proper district court for the filing of the informal proceeding forms and for dealing with any problems that may be raised during the course of administration of the e state. Endnotes: 1. Tax Laws are subject to change. Check with state and federal tax offices for current exemptions. 2.See N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-03 for the definition of small estates. (Revised 4/25/2022) INVENTORY A PROBATE PROPERTY B PROBATE PROPERTY C NON- PROBATE* PROPERTY DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY Owned Solely by Decedent Owned by decedent and other(s) as tenants in common Owned Solely by decedent or by decedent and other(s) as joint tenants REAL PROPERTY (such as house, lake cabin, farmland, oil or mineral rights, life estate) $$$ PERSONAL PROPERTY A.Money, notes & cash (such as c.d.'s & bank accounts) $$$ B.Stocks and bonds$$$ C.Insurance$$$ D.Miscellaneous (such as vehicles, personal belongings, tools, farm equipment) $$$ SUBTOTALS $$$ Total value of property in Column A Total value of property in Column B Total value of property in Column C $ $ $ TOTAL VALUE OF ESTATE ASSETS $ *Non-probate means such property as life estates, trusts, insurance proceeds payable to a designated beneficiary and gifts in contemplation of death, as well as property held in joint tenancy. (4/25/2022) (Form 1 Instructions) INSTRUCTIONS FOR FORM 1: AFFIDAVIT FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE DECEDENT ( 30.1-23-01) Form 1 allows personal property to transfer without court involvement. You DON’T file the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent with a North Dakota state court. You may use the Affidavit if the estate meets the following requirements: •At least 30 days have passed since the person died; •The total net value of the probated property (minus any debts or other encumbrances on the property) is less than $50,000.00; •There’s NO real property (real estate) that is part of the probated estate (see the personal property and real property definitions on Page 16 of this guidebook); •No probate case is started or completed in a North Dakota state district court, a court of any other state, or a tribal court; and •The heir claiming the personal property by affidavit is entitled to it by will or intestate succession. The completed Affidavit is presented to whoever holds the personal property for transfer to the person entitled to receive it. If you need a court order to transfer the property, you can’t use this form. NOTE: You may wish to contact the holder of the personal property to find out if they will accept the Affidavit as a way to transfer the personal property to you. If the Affidavit won’t be accepted, see options B.1. and B.2. on Page 4 of this guidebook. If the deceased person didn’t leave a will, you’ll need to determine who the heirs of the estate are according to North Dakota’s intestate succession laws. Intestate succession laws dictate who takes the deceased person’s property if they died without a will. See Pages 8-9 of this guidebook for distrib ution of the estate if there’s no will. THE PERSON ENTITLED TO THE PROPERTY BY WILL OR INTESTATE SUCCESSION FILLS OUT THE FORM Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Attorney: Write “Not Applicable” in this section. In the Matter of the Estate of . . . : Fill in the name of the deceased person. State of: Fill i n the name of the state where you’ll sign the Affidavit (i.e., North Dakota). County of: Fill in the name of the county where you’ll sign the Affidavit. ______________________, being duly sworn . . . : Fill in your name, the name of the person completing and signing this Affidavit. Paragraph 1: Fil l in the name of the deceased person and their date of death. Because: Fill in whether you were named in the will as the heir or successor. If there’s no will, your relationship to the deceased person from Pages 8-9 of this guidebook. Paragraphs 2, 3, 4: These statements must be true. Number 5(a): This statement must be true. Number 5(b): List the specific personal property you wish to collect. Belonging to the deceased and presently held by: Fill in the name of the entity (business, etc.) holding the personal property you w ish to collect. Signature Block: This must be signed & dated in front of a notary public or clerk of court. If you need assistance with the form, consult an attorney licensed to practice in North Dakota. ND PROBATE CODE FORM 1 Page 1 09/04/19 AFFIDAVIT FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE DECEDENT. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-01). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Attorney Attorney ___________________ for: } } In the Matter of the Estate of _________________________________________________________, Deceased. AFFIDAVIT FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE DECEDENT STATE OF _________________ } SS. County of ___________________ } _________________________________________________________________, being duly sworn, states the following: 1. I am the successor of __________________________________________________________________________ who died on _________________________________, ______________, because: 2. The value of the entire estate of the decedent, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $50,000. 3. Thirty (30) days have elapsed since the death of the decedent. 4. No application or petition for the appointment of a personal representative of the decedent's estate is pending or has been granted in any jurisdiction. 5. (a)As successor of the decedent, I am entitled to the payment of any sums of money due and owing the decedent and to the delivery of all tangible personal property belonging to the decedent and to the delivery of all instruments evidencing a debt, obligation, stock or chose in action belonging to the decedent. (b)As successor of the decedent, I am entitled to payment or delivery of* Page 1 of NDPC FORM 1 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 1 Page 2 09/04/19 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ belonging to the decedent and presently held by: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Affiant Signature __________________________________________ Affiant Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code __________________________________________ Telephone Number Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____________ day of _____________________________, __________. ____________________________________________ Notary Public or Clerk of Court If Notary, my Commission expires: _____________________ ____________________ County, _____________ *Specify debt, personal property, instrument, obligation, stock or chose in action. Page 2 of NDPC FORM 1 (4/25/2022) (Page 1 of 2) (Form 2 Instructions) INSTRUCTIONS FOR FORM 2: APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ( 30.1-14-01) You may use the Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of a Personal Representative (Form 2) if the estate meets the following requirements: • The deceased person left a will; • You’re on the priority list of people who can be appointed personal representative of the estate (see Page 5 of this guidebook for priority of appointment); • There are no known disputes regarding the will or your appointment as personal representative; • Less than 3 years have passed since the deceased person’s date of death; • All people above and equal to you on the priority list must sign a Waiver of Appointment (see Waiver of Appointment (Form 9) and Page 5 of this guidebook). VENUE: You must determine the North Dakota county where you’ll file your informal probate documents. This is called venue. Venue for the first probate proceeding after a person’s death is: 1. The North Dakota county where the deceased person was domiciled (resided) at the time of death. 2. If the deceased person wasn’t domiciled in North Dakota, any North Dakota county where property of the deceased person was located at the time of their death. THE PERSON APPLYING TO BE THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATVE FILLS OUT FORM 2  Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Attorney: Write “Not Applicable” in this section.  Probate No.: Leave blank – the Clerk of Court assigns the probate action a number upon filing.  County: Fill in the North Dakota county where you’ll file this probate action.  In the Matter of the Estate of . . . : Fill in the name of the deceased person.  Paragraph A(1 ): Fill in your name ( you’re the person applying to be appointed personal representative). ALSO, state who you are on the priority list for appointment as personal representative to the deceased person (see Page 5 of the guidebook).  Paragraph A(2): • Fill in the deceased person’s date of death and their age at the time of death. • Fill in the county and state where the deceased person was domiciled at the time of death. • Fill in the name, age, relationship, and address of the surviving spouse, children, heirs or devisees (see definition of “devisees” on Page 15 of this guidebook) of the deceased person.  Paragraph A(3): Fill in why venue is in this county (see Venue instructions above).  Paragraph A(4): If no other personal representative has been appointed after “whose letters have not been terminated”, write “not applicable”. If a personal representative has already been appointed, fill in the information.  Paragraph A(5): If you haven’t received any demands, after “except as follows”, write “not applicable”. If you’ve received any demands, fill in the name(s) of the entity (business) or person.  Paragraph A(6): This statement must be true.  Paragraphs B(1)(2) and (3): These statements must be true.  Paragraph C(1): Fill in the month, day, and year in which the will was executed (signed).  Paragraph C(2): Fill in your name, address, and priority for appointment (see Page 5 of this gui debook).  Signature Block: This must be signed & dated in front of a notary public or clerk of court. (4/25/2022) (Page 2 of 2) (Form 2 Instructions) THE PERSON APPLYING TO BE THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATVE FILLS OUT FORM 3: STATEMENT OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE  Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Attorney: Write “Not Applicable” in this section.  Probate No.: Leave blank – the Clerk of Court assigns the probate action a number upon filing.  County: Fill in the North Dakota county where you’ll file this probate action.  In the Matter of the Estate of . . . : Fill in the name of the deceased person.  Fill in ONLY the information you know on the remainder of the form. Leave blank any information you don’t know.  DON’T sign or date this form. If the court approves your Application (Form 2), the court will sign and date this form. THE PERSON APPLYING TO BE THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATVE FILLS OUT FORM 4: LETTERS TESTAMENTARY The Letters Testamentary is the document which, once signed by the judge, gives you the power to act as personal representative for the estate.  Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Attorney: Write “Not Applicable” in this section.  Probate No.: Leave blank – the Clerk of Court assigns the probate action a number upon filing.  County: Fill in the North Dakota county where you’ll file this probate action.  In the Matter of the Estate of . . . : Fill in the name of the deceased person.  ONLY FILL OUT AND SIGN the second paragraph section. The rest will be filled out by the court. FILING THE DOCUMENTS File the following documents with the court: 1. Form 2: Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of a Personal Representative; 2. Form 3: Statement of Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of a Personal Representative; 3. Form 4: Letters Testamentary; and 4. Original Will of deceased person. You may also need to file the following document(s): 1. Form 9: Waiver of Right to Appointment (for every person equal or higher in priority for appointment to you); 2. Certified Copy of Death Certificate. Pay the filing fee: At the time you file your completed informal probate forms, you’ll be required to pay a filing fee of $80.00 to the North Dakota Clerk of District Court. If paying the filing fee is a financial hardship, you may ask the court to waive the $80.00 filing fee. The Filing Fee Waiver Request – District Court/Small Claims Court form set is available at ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/fee-waiver. The completed Filing Fee Waiver Request forms are filed at the same time as your completed informal probate forms. ND PROBATE CODE FORM 2 Page 1 09/04/19 APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-01). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _______________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of _____________________________________________________________________, Deceased. APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE I, as the applicant, provide the following information: A.(1) I am ________________________________________________________________________________________, (state name and interest of applicant) (2) Decedent died on _______________________________, __________ at the age of _______________________ years. At the time of death, the decedent was domiciled in _____________________________________________ County, _____________________________________ (State), and is survived by the following persons who are the surviving spouse, children, heirs or devisees of the decedent. NameAgeRelationshipAddress (3) Venue for this case is in this County because ________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________. (4) No personal representative has been appointed whose letters have not been terminated, except _________________ ________________________, whose address is ______________________________________________________, was appointed personal representative on ________________________________________________, ________, in _________________________________ County, ______________________________________________ (State). Page 1 of NDPC FORM 2 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 2 Page 209/04/19 (5) I have not received any demand for notice and am unaware of a demand for notice of any probate or appointment proceeding concerning the decedent that may have been filed in this state or elsewhere, except as follows: ________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________. (6) The time limit for informal probate and appointment has not expired. B. (1) The original or an authenticated copy of decedent's last will, if not already in the possession of the court, is filed with this application. (2) That I, to the best of my knowledge, believe the will to have been validly executed. (3) After the exercise of reasonable diligence, I am unaware of any instrument revoking the will; and I believe the instrument is the decedent's last will. C. (1) The original of decedent's will was executed on _______________________________________ (Month/Day/Year). (2) The name, address, and priority for appointment of the person whose appointment is sought are as follows: _______ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________. I request the above described will be admitted to informal probate, and that I be appointed personal representative of the decedent's estate. ____________________________________________ Applicant Signature __ _______________________________ ___________ Addre ss STATE OF___________________ } }ss. County of ____________________ } _________________________________________________________________, being duly sworn, states as follows: That I am the applicant in the foregoing application; that I have read the same and believe the statements therein to be true to the best of my knowledge. ____________________________________________ Subscribed and sworn to before me this __________________ day of ______________________________, 20_______. If Notary, my commission expires:_________________________ _______________________ _____________________ Notary Public or Clerk of Court _______________________County, _______________ Page 2 of NDPC FORM 2 ____________________________________________ Telephone Number ND PROBATE CODE FORM 3 Page 110/01/03 STATEMENT OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-03, 30.1-14-08) Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _______________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ____________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of _________________________________________________________________, Deceased. STATEMENT OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE The application of _____________________________________________________ for informal probate of the last will of ________________________________________________________________________________________, deceased, and the appointment of a personal representative having come before the Court this _______________________________ day of _____________________________________, 20__________, and it appearing that: 1. The decedent died on ___________________________________, 20_________, and at least one hundred twenty (120) hours have elapsed since the decedent's death; and (a) The application is complete; (b) The application contains the applicant's oath or affirmation that the statements contained therein are true to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief; and that all of the statements required by law to be made in the application have been made; (c) The applicant appears to be an interested person as defined by the laws of this state; (d) On the basis of the statements in the application, venue is proper; (e) The will to which this appointment relates appears to be the original, duly executed and apparently unrevoked, will of the decedent and is in the court's possession; (f) Any notice required by the laws of this state has been given and the application is not within Section N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-04. (g) From the statements in the application it appears that the person whose appointment is sought is entitled to appointment by priority; (h) The time limit for the original probate of this will has not expired. Page 1 of NDPC FORM 3 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 3 Page 210/01/03 2. A personal representative has not been appointed in another county in this state and neither the will subject of this application nor any other will of the decedent has been the subject of a previous probate order. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED as follows: 1. The application for informal probate is granted and the will of ________________________________________ dated ____________________________, ____________, is admitted to informal probate. 2. The application for informal appointment of a personal representative is granted and ____________________________ ___________________________ is appointed as personal representative of the estat e of _________________________ ___________________________, deceased, without bond (or upon giving bond in the amount of $________________). 3. Letters Testamentary shall be issued to ________________________________________________________________ upon qualification and acceptance. Dated this ___________________________ day of __________________________________, ___________. ____________________________________________ Judge/Clerk Page 2 of NDPC FORM 3 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 4 \\u0014\\u0015/\\u0015\\u001a/\\u00149 LETTERS TESTAMENTARY. (Informal Probate.) (N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-01). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _______________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ____________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of _________________________________________________________________, Deceased. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY (Informal Probate) The will of _________________________________________________________ having been admitted to informal probate, _______________________________________________________ is appointed personal representative of the estate. WITNESS: Hon. ______________________________________________, Judge/Clerk of the District Court, County of ______________________________, State of North Dakota, with the seal of the Court affixed the ____________________ day of __________________________________, 20_________. ____________________________________________ Judge/ Clerk Signature STATE OF ___________________ } } ss. County of ____________ __ __ ____ } I, __________________________________________, accept the du ties of personal representative of the estate of _______________________________________________, d eceased, and will perform, according to law, the duties of personal representative of the estate of __ _________________________________________________________________, d eceased. ____________________________________________ STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA } } ss. County of ____________________ } I, the undersigned, _________________________________________________________ of the District Court of ________________________ County certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of the original Letters on file with the Court and that on the date of this certificate they were in full force and effect. Dated ___________________, ________, _____________________________________ _______________________________, ___________ of Court Personal Representative Signature ND PROBATE CODE FORM 510/01/03 NOTICE AND INFORMATION TO HEIRS AND DEVISEES. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-18-05). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _______________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. NOTICE AND INFORMATION TO HEIRS AND DEVISEES To the heirs and devisees of the above named estate: 1. The decedent, _________________________________________________, died on or about the _______________ day of ________________________________, __________. 2. You have or may have an interest in the estate of the decedent: 3. ____________________________________________, whose address is __________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ was appointed personal representative of the estate on the _________________ day of ______________________, __________, and filed a bond in the amount of $______________________________________________________. 4. Papers and information relating to the estate are on file in the District Court in _______________________ County, North Dakota, at _________________________________________(city), North Dakota; and that fewer than thirty (30) days have passed since the date of appointment of the personal representative. 5. This estate is being administered by the Personal Representative under the Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. All recipients of this Notice are further informed that each of them is entitled to information regarding the administration of this estate from the Personal Representative. 6. All recipients are further notified that any of them may petition the court in any matter relating to this estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Dated this ___________________________________ day of _____________________________________, ___________. ____________________________________________ Personal Representative ____________________________________________ Address ND PROBATE CODE FORM 6 10/01/03 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-01). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _______________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the deceased are required to present their claims within three m onths after the date of the first publication or mailing of this notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be presented to ____________ ________________________________________, personal representative of the estate, at ____________________________ ______________________________________________ or filed with the Court. Dated this _____________________________ day of __________________________________, ____________. ____________________________________________ Personal Representative ____________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Attorney ______________ for ____________________ First publication on the _________________________ day of ________________________________, __________. ND PROBATE CODE FORM 7 -- AFFIDAVIT FORWARDING COPY OF APPLICATION TO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.12/27/19 IN DISTRICT COURT IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ______________________________________________________, DECEASED. AFFIDAVIT FORWARDING COPY OF APPLICATION TO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA} }ss. County of ____________________ } ___________________________________________________________________________, being first duly sworn on oath, deposes and says that I am the ____________________________ of the Estate of ______________________________, Deceased; and That I did forward copies of the application commencing probate proceedings, together with a list of the names of the legatees, devisees, surviving joint tenants, and heirs at law to the estate to the North Dakota Department of Human Services, State Capitol, Bismarck, North Dakota 58505, pursuant to Sections 50-06.3-07 and 50-24.1-07, N.D.C.C.. Dated __________________________________________, __________. ____________________________________________ Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____________________ day of ____________________________, __________. ____________________________________________ Notary Public _________________________, County, North Dakota My commission expires:_________________________ P ersonal Representative Signature ND PROBATE CODE FORM 8 - AFFIDAVIT FOR ACCESS TO SAFE DEPOSIT BOX. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-05).10/01/03 STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA} }ss. County of ____________________ } IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ________________________________________________________________________________________, DECEASED. AFFIDAVIT FOR ACCESS TO SAFE DEPOSIT BOX To: ________________________________________________________________________ (bank or trust company) 1. _____________________________________, lessee of safety deposit box number ________ died on _______________ ____________________, ________. 2. The box may contain (check all that apply) ______ the will of the lessee; ______ the deed to a burial lot or a document containing burial instructions for the lessee; or ______ property belonging to the estate of the lessee. 3. I am an interested person and wish to open the box: (1) To conduct a will search; (2) To obtain a document required to facilitate the lessee's wishes regarding body, funeral, or burial arrangements; or (3) To make an inventory of the box. 4. There has been no application for, or appointment of, a personal representative or administrator of the decedent's estate. 5. No contents of the box, other than a will and a document required to facilitate the lessee's wishes regarding body, funeral, or burial arrangements, will be removed. Dated this ________________ day of _____________________________, __________. ____________________________________________ Affiant Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____________________ day of ____________________________, __________. ____________________________________________ Notary Public _________________________, County, North Dakota My commission expires:_________________________ ND PROBATE CODE FORM 9 \\u0014\\u0015 /\\u0015 \\u001a/19 WAIVER OF RIGHT TO APPOINTMENT. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-13-03). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _____________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO APPOINTMENT I, ______________________________________________, am the ____________________________________ of and one of the heirs at law of the above named decedent and have an equal priority to be appointed personal representative of the estate of the decedent. I waive my right to such appointment and request appointment by the Court of _______________________ ____________________________________________________________________, to act as personal representative, without bond. This waiver is filed with the Court pursuant to N.D.C.C. 30.1-13-03. Dated this ____________________________ day of _____________________________________, 20________. ____________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________ __ _____________________________ ____________ Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____________________ day of ____________________________, __________. ______________________________________________ Notary Public _________________________, County, _____________ My commission expires:___________________________ Affiant Telephone: __________________________________ ND PROBATE CODE FORM 10 - INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT 11/03/03 Page 1 - NDPC Form 10 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT ___________________________________, the Personal Representative of the Estate of the above-named Decedent, states that the following inventory contains a true statement of all the property owned by the Decedent at the time of death on _________________________, so far as is known to the Personal Representative . Further, the values set forth for each item are the fair market values of the property as of the date of the decedent's death, and the inventory sets forth the type and amount of any encumbrances that exist with reference to any item. REAL PROPERTY OWNED SOLELY BY DECEDENT: (provide legal description) $____________ REAL PROPERTY OWNED JOINTLY BY DECEDENT: (provide legal description) $____________ TOTAL VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY$____________ ND PROBATE CODE FORM 10 - INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT 11/03/03 Page 2 - NDPC Form 10 PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED SOLELY BY DECEDENT $____________ PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED JOINTLY BY DECEDENT $____________ TOTAL VALUE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY$____________ GROSS ESTATE Real Property Personal Property $____________ $____________ $____________ LIENS, MORTGAGES, ENCUMBRANCES $____________ TOTAL VALUE OF NET ESTATE IN NORTH DAKOTA$____________ ND PROBATE CODE FORM 10 - INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT 11/03/03 Page 3 - NDPC Form 10 Dated this __________ day of ______________________________, 20_____. ______________________________________________ STATE OF) )ss. COUNTY OF) ______________________________, being first duly sworn, says that I am the Personal Representative of the Estate of the above-named Decedent; that the foregoing Inventory and Appraisement contains a true statement of all the estate of Decedent that has come to my knowledge or possession and particularly of all money belonging to the Decedent and of all just claims of the Decedent against me; and of all liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances on the real and personal property of Decedent. ______________________________________________ Personal Representative Subscribed and sworn to before me this _______ day of _____________________________, 20______. ______________________________________________ Notary Public ____________________ County, ___________________ My Commission Expires:_________________________ ND PROBATE CODE FORM 11 Page 110/01/03 DEED OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-18-03). PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S DEED OF DISTRIBUTION THIS INDENTURE, made this ________________________ day of ________________________________, ________, by and between _______________________________________________________________________________________, personal representative of the estate of _____________________________________________________________________, deceased, hereinafter referred to as Grantor, and hereinafter referred to as Grantee______, WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Grantor is the duly appointed and acting personal representative of the estate of ______________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________, deceased, and WHEREAS, Grantee __________________________________ entitled to distribution of certain real property hereinafter described from the estate of the decedent. NOW, THEREFORE, Grantor does grant, convey, transfer and distribute all of the right, title and interest of the decedent and the estate to Grantee______ in the following proportions: in and to the following described real property situated in _____________________________________________________ County, North Dakota: together with the appurtenances thereto: WITNESS, the hand of the Grantor:____________________________________________ Personal Representative of the Estate of _________________________________, Deceased Page 1 of NDPC FORM 11 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 11 Page 210/01/03 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S DEED OF DISTRIBUTION. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-18-03). STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA} }ss. County of ____________________ } The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _______________________ day of ___________________, ________, by __________________________________________________________ personal representative______ of the estate of ______________________________________________________, deceased. ____________________________________________ Notary Public _________________________, County, ____________ My commission expires:________________________ Page 2 of NDPC FORM 11 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 12 Page 1 of 2 09/04/19 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S DEED (Sale of Real Property) THIS INDENTURE, made this _________ da y of __________________________________, 20_____, by and between __ _____________________________________________________________________, personal representative of the estate of _____________________________________________________________, deceased (Grantor), and _________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________, Grantee(s), whose post office address is ______________________________________________________________________________________. WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Grantor is the duly appointed and acting personal representative of the estate of ______________________ _____________________________________, deceased, and Page 1 of 2 - NDPC FORM 12 WHEREAS, Grantee(s) desires to purchase decedent's interest in certain real property hereinafter described; NOW, THEREFORE, Grantor, in consideration of the sum of _______________________________________________ does grant, convey, transfer and sell to Grantee(s) all of the right, title, and interest of the decedent and the estate in and to the following described real property situated in the County of _______________________________________, State of ________________________________________: ND PROBATE CODE FORM 12 Page 2 of 209/04/19 STATE OF ) ) ss. COUNTY OF ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ______ day of ___________________________, 20_____, by ________________________________________________, personal representative of the estate of ___________________ ________________________________, deceased. ____________________________________________ Notary Public _____________________ County, ________________ My Commission Expires: _______________________ Page 2 of 2 - NDPC FORM 12 ____________________________________________ Personal Representative of the Estate of ___________________________________, Deceased. WITNESS, the hand of the Grantor: ND PROBATE CODE FORM 13 Page 109/04/\\u00149 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S ASSIGNMENT. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-18-03). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _____________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S ASSIGNMENT THIS INDENTURE, made this ____________________________ day of ______________________________, ________, by and between _______________________________________________________________________________________, personal representative _______________________, of the Estate of ____________________________________________, deceased, hereinafter referred to as Assignor, whether one or more, and ___________________________________________, whose post office address is _____________________________________________________________________________, hereinafter referred to as Assignee, whether one or more, WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Assignor is the duly appointed and acting personal representative of the Estate of _____________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________, deceased, and WHEREAS, Assignee is entitled to distribution of certain personal property hereinafter described from the Estate of the decedent, NOW, THEREFORE, Assignor does assign, transfer, release and distribute to Assignee the following: Page 1 of NDPC FORM 13 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 13 Page 209/04/19 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S ASSIGNMENT. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-18-03). WITNESS, the hand of the Assignor:_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Personal Representative ____________________ of the Estate of _____________________________________, Deceased STATE OF ___________________ } }ss. County of ____________________ } The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this __________________________________________, day of ____________________________________, ________, by ___________________________________________________, personal representative______ of the estate of ______________________________________________________, deceased. ____________________________________________ Notary Public _________________________, County, ____________ My commission expires:_________________________ Page 2 of NDPC FORM 13 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 1410/01/03 RECORD OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE RECEIPTS/DISBURSEMENTS DATEPAID BY/TOFORAMOUNT Beginning Balance $ Ending Balance $ NDPC Form 14 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 15 Page 109/04/\\u00149 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S VERIFIED STATEMENT TO CLOSE THE ESTATE. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-21-03). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _____________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S VERIFIED STATEMENT TO CLOSE THE ESTATE STATE OF ___________________} }ss. County of ____________________ } _____________________________________________________________________, being duly sworn, states as follows: 1. I am the duly appointed, qualified and acting personal representative of the above estate. 2. I have published notice to creditors as provided in N.D.C.C. 30.1-19-01 and have filed proof of publication of such notice. The first publication occurred more than three months prior to the date of this statement. 3. I have fully administered the estate of the decedent by making payment, settlement or other disposition of all claims which were presented, expenses of administration and estate, inheritance and other death taxes except as follows: 4. I have distributed the assets of the estate to the persons entitled to the assets in the amount and manner to which they are entitled. (By agreement with the distributees the assets were distributed subject to outstanding liabilities of the estate.) 5. I have sent a copy of this statement to all distributees of the estate (and to all creditors or claimants of the estate whom I am aware whose claims are neither paid nor barred), and I have furnished a full account in writing of my administration to the distributees whose interests are affected thereby. 6. This statement is filed for the purpose of closing this estate and terminating the appointment of the undersigned pursuant to N.D.C.C. 30.1-21-03. ____________________________________________ Personal Representative Page 1 of NDPC FORM 15 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 15 Page 209/04/\\u00149 STATE OF ___________________} }ss. County of ____________________ } _______________________________________________________________________________, being first duly sworn, says that ___he is the personal representative of the above estate and that ___he has read the foregoing statements and knows the contents thereof, and verily believes the statements made therein to be true. ____________________________________________ Signature ____________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ____________________________________________ Telephone Nu mber Subscribed and sworn to before me this ___________________ day of _______________________, 20________. ____________________________________________ Notary Public _______________________ County, _______________ My Commission expires:________________________ Page 2 of NDPC FORM 15 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 1609/04/\\u00149 SWORN STATEMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE CLOSING A SMALL ESTATE. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-04). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _____________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. SWORN STATEMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE CLOSING A SMALL ESTATE STATE OF __________________} }ss. County of ____________________ } ___________________________________________________________, being duly sworn, states the following under oath: 1. I am the duly appointed, qualified and acting personal representative of the above estate, appointed on __________ ______________________, __________, in the above Court. 2. To the best of my knowledge, the value of the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, did not exceed the homestead allowance, exempt property, family allowance, costs and expenses of administration, reasonable funeral expenses, and the reasonable, necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last illness of the decedent. 3. I have fully administered the estate by disbursing and distributing it to the persons entitled thereto. 4. I have sent a copy of the closing statement to all distributees of the estate and to all creditors or other claimants of whom I am aware whose claims are neither paid nor barred and have furnished a full account in writing of personal representative's administration to the distributees whose interests are affected. 5. No order of the Court prohibits closing of the estate and the estate is not being administered by a supervised personal representative. This statement is filed for the purpose of closing the above estate and terminating my appointment as personal representative pursuant to N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-04. ____________________________________________ Subscribed and sworn to before me this __________________ day of ___________________________, _________. ____________________________________________ Notary Public ______________________ County, ______________ My commission expires:________________________ (4/25/2022) (Page 1 of 2) (Form 17 Instructions) INSTRUCTIONS FOR FORM 17: APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN INTESTACY ( 30.1-14-01) You may use the Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative in Intestacy (Form 17) if the estate meets the following requirements: • The deceased person DIDN’T leave a will; • You’re on the priority list of people who can be appointed personal representative of the estate (see Page 5 of this guidebook for priority of appointment); • There are no known disputes regarding your appointment as personal representative; • Less than 3 years have passed since the deceased person’s date of death; • All people above and equal to you on the priority list must sign a Waiver of Appointment (see Waiver of Appointment ( Form 9) and Page 5 of this guidebook). VENUE: You must determine the North Dakota county where you’ll file your informal probate documents. This is called venue. Venue for the first probate proceeding after a person’s death is: 1. The North Dakota county where the deceased person was domiciled (resided) at the time of death. 2. If the deceased person wasn’t domiciled in North Dakota, any North Dakota county where property of the deceased person was located at the time of their death. THE PERSON APPLYING TO BE THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATVE FILLS OUT FORM 17  Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Attorney: Write “Not Applicable” in this section.  Probate No.: Leave blank – the Clerk of Court assigns the probate action a number upon filing.  County: Fill in the North Dakota county where you’ll file this probate action.  In the Matter of the Estate of . . . : Fill in the name of the deceased person.  P aragraph A(1): Fill in your name ( you’re the person applying to be appointed personal representative). ALSO, state who you are on the priority list for appointment as personal representative to the deceased person (see Pa ge 5 of the guidebook).  Paragraph A(2): • Fill in the deceased person’s date of death and their age at the time of death. • Fill in the county and state where the deceased person was domiciled at the time of death. • Fill in the name, age, relationship, and address of the surviving spouse, children, heirs or devisees (see definition of “devisees” on Page 15 of this guidebook) of the deceased person.  Paragraph A(3): Fill in why venue is in this county (see Venue instructions above).  Paragraph A(4): If no other personal representative has been appointed after “whose letters have not been terminated”, write “not applicable”. If a personal representative has already been appointed, fill in the information.  Paragraph A(5): If you haven’t received any demands, after “except as follows”, write “not applicable”. If you’ve received any demands, fill in the name(s) of the entity (business) or person.  Paragraph A(6): This statement must be true.  Paragraph B (line 1): Review N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-01(d).  Paragraphs B(1): Review N.D.C.C. 30.1-02-01. After “is not being probated because” write “Not applicable” if there is no unrevoked will. If there is a will, explain why the will isn’t being probated. (4/25/2022) (Page 2 of 2) (Form 17 Instructions) Paragraph B(2): Fill in your priority for appointment as personal representative (see Page 5 of the guidebook). If there are no other people who have higher or equal priority, write “none”. If there are other people who have higher or equal priority, list their names. After “WHEREFORE, I request that”: Fill in your name. Signature Block: This must be signed & dated in front of a notary public or clerk of court. THE PERSON APPLYING TO BE THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATVE FILLS OUT FORM 18: STATEMENT OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE - INTESTACY Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Attorney: Write “Not Applicable” in this section. Probate No.: Leave blank – the Clerk of Court assigns the probate action a number upon filing. County: Fill in the North Dakota county where you’ll file this probate action. In the Matter of the Estate of . . . : Fill in the name of the deceased person. Fill in ONLY the information you know on the remainder of the form. Leave blank any information you don’t know. DON’T sign or date this form. If the court approves your Application (Form 17), the court will sign and date this form. THE PERSON APPLYING TO BE THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATVE FILLS OUT FORM 19: LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION The Letters of Administration is the document which, once signed by the judge, gives you the power to act as personal representative for the estate. Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Attorney: Write “Not Applicable” in this section. Probate No.: Leave blank – the Clerk of Court assigns the probate action a number upon filing. County: Fill in the North Dakota county where you’ll file this probate action. In the Matter of the Estate of . . . : Fill in the name of the deceased person. ONLY FILL OUT AND SIGN the second paragraph section. The rest will be filled out by the court. FI LING THE DOCUMENTS File the following documents with the court: 1.Form 17: Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative in Intestacy; 2.Form 18: Statement of Informal Appointment of a Personal Representative - Intestacy; and 3.Form 19: Letters of Administration. You may also need to file the following document(s): 1.Form 9: Waiver of Right to Appointment (for every person equal or higher in priority for appointment to you); 2.Certified Copy of Death Certificate. Pay the filing fee: At the time you file your completed informal probate forms, you’ll be required to pay a filing fee of $80.00 to the North Dakota Clerk of District Court. If paying the filing fee is a financial hardship, you may ask the court to waive the $80.00 filing fee. The Filing Fee Waiver Request – District Court/Small Claims Court form set is available at ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/fee-waiver. The completed Filing Fee Waiver Request forms are filed at the same time as your completed informal probate forms. ND PROBATE CODE FORM 17 Page 109/04/\\u00149 APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN INTESTACY. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-01). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _____________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN INTESTACY I, as the applicant, provide the following information: A. (1) I am _________________________________________________________________________________________. (state name an d interest of applicant) (2) Decedent died on ___________________________,__________, at the age of ________________________ years. At the time of death, the decedent was domiciled in ____________________________________________ County, _________________________________________ (state), and is survived by the following persons who are the surviving spouse, children, heirs or devisees of decedent. NameAgeRelationshipAddress (3) Venue for this case is in this County because ________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________. (4) No personal representative has been appointed whose letters have not been terminated, except _________________ ____________________________, whose address is __________________________________________________, was appointed personal representative on ________________________________________, _________, in _____________________________ County, ____________________________________________________(state). Page 1 of NDPC FORM 17 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 17 Page 209/04/\\u00149 (5) I have not received any demand for notice and am unaware of a demand for notice of any probate or appointment proceeding concerning the decedent that may have been filed in this state or elsewhere, except as follows:________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________. (6) The time limit for informal appointment has not expired. B. I further state pursuant to Section N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-01(d): (1) That after the exercise of reasonable diligence, I am unaware of any unrevoked testamentary instrument relating to the property having a situs in this state under Section 30.1-02-01, except such instrument as attached hereto, or described herein, is not being probated, because ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________. (2) The priority of the person whose appointment is sought is ______________________________________________, and the names of any other persons having a prior or equal right to the appointment under Section 30.1-13-03 are as follows:______________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________. } } WHEREFORE, I request that ______________________________ ___________________________________ be appointed personal representative of decedent's estate and that letters of administration be issued to the appointee upon qualification and acceptance. STATE OF ___________________ ss. County of ____________________ } ___________________________________________________, the applicant above, being duly sworn, states as follows: I have read the application and believe the statements therein to be true to the best of my knowledge. ____________________________________________ Applicant Signature ____________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ Telephone Number Subscribed and sworn to before me this ______________________ day of ________________________, ___________. My Commission expires:_____________________________ ____________________________________________ Notary Public _____________________, County, ________________ Page 2 of NDPC FORM 17 ND PROBATE CODE FORM 1810/01/03 STATEMENT OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE - INTESTACY. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-08) Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _____________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ________________________________________________________________, Deceased. STATEMENT OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE - INTESTACY The application of _______________________________________________________________ for informal appointment of a personal representative having come before the Court this ____________________ day of _______________________, __________, and it appearing that: 1. The decedent died on ________________________________________, ________, and at least one hundred twenty (120) hours have elapsed since the decedent's death; and a. The application is complete, in that; b. The application contains the applicant's oath or affirmation that the statements contained therein are true to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief; and that all of the statements required by law to be made in the application have been made; c. The applicant appears to be an interested person as defined by the laws of this state; d. On the basis of the statements in the application, venue is proper; e. Any notice required by the laws of this state has been given; f.That from the statements in the application, it appears that the person whose appointment is sought has priority entitling the appointment. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED, that: 1. ____________________________________________________ is informally appointed personal representative of the estate of _____________________________________________ deceased, without bond (or upon giving bond in the amount of $____________________________). 2. Letters of Administration shall be issued to __________________________________________________________ upon qualification and acceptance. Dated this _______________________________ day of ________________________________, ________. ___________________________________________________ Judge/Clerk ND PROBATE CODE FORM 19 \\u0014 \\u0015/\\u0015\\u001a/19 LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-14-07). Name, Address, and Telephone No. of AttorneySpace below for use of District Court only Probate No. _____________ Attorney ___________________ for: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF __________________________________ COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of ___________________________________________________________________, Deceased. LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________ is appointed personal representative of the estate of ________________________________________________________, deceased. WITNESS: Hon. ____________________________________________, Judge/Clerk of the above entitled Court, with the seal thereof affixed the _____________________________ day of _____________________________, __________. ____________________________________________ Judge/Clerk Signature STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA} }ss. County of ____________________ } I accept the duties of personal representative of the estate of _______________________________________________ ___________________________, deceased, and will perform, according to law, the duties of the personal representative. Date ________________________________________________________________________________ STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA } }ss. CERTIFICATE County of ____________________ } I, the undersigned, ________________________________________________________ of the District Court of __________________________ County, certify that the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of the original Letters on File with the Court and that on the Date of this certificate they were in full force and effect. Dated _______________________________, ________. ___________________________________ _________________________of Court Personal Representative Signature