Idaho Code
Part 12 - COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY BY AFFIDAVIT AND SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR SMALL ESTATES
Section 15-3-1205 - SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES IN WHICH A SURVIVING SPOUSE IS THE SOLE BENEFICIARY.

15-3-1205. SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES IN WHICH A SURVIVING SPOUSE IS THE SOLE BENEFICIARY. (a) Upon the testate or intestate death of a person leaving a surviving spouse as the sole devisee or beneficiary, the surviving spouse (or any person claiming title to any property through or under such surviving spouse) may file a verified petition setting out marriage and the death of a person leaving a surviving spouse as the sole devisee or heir. If the decedent died testate, the petition must be accompanied by the original of the last will and testament of the decedent. Notice of hearing shall be given pursuant to the provisions of section 15-1-401, Idaho Code.
(b) If it shall appear at such hearing that the decedent and the person claimed to be the surviving spouse were duly married and that the surviving spouse is the sole heir or devisee, a decree shall be made to that effect. This decree shall thereafter have the same effect as a formal decree approving or determining distribution. The petitioner, or the surviving spouse, or both, need not appear in person at such hearing, nor must an attorney for the petitioner spouse appear in person at such hearing. The petitioner or the attorney for the petitioner, or both, may either:
(1) Upon proper motion made by the petitioner, appear telephonically; or
(2) Submit one (1) or more affidavits in advance of the hearing certifying that notice of hearing was given as required by law and that no objection to the entering of the decree has been received by the petitioner or the attorney for the petitioner.
(c) In the event that the surviving spouse (or person claiming through or under the surviving spouse) shall elect to proceed under this section, the surviving spouse shall assume and be liable for any and all indebtedness that might be a claim against the estate of the decedent and there will be no administration of the estate of the decedent.

History:
[15-3-1205, added 1973, ch. 124, sec. 2, p. 234; am. 1974, ch. 199, sec. 4, p. 1516; am. 2003, ch. 60, sec. 1, p. 206; am. 2005, ch. 121, sec. 1, p. 396.]

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