The person paying, delivering, transferring or issuing personal property or the evidence thereof pursuant to affidavit is discharged and released to the same extent as if he dealt with a personal representative of the decedent. He is not required to see to the application of the personal property or evidence thereof or to inquire into the truth of any statement in the affidavit. If any person to whom an affidavit is delivered refuses to pay, deliver, transfer or issue any personal property or evidence thereof, it may be recovered or its payment, delivery, transfer or issuance compelled upon proof of their right in a proceeding brought for the purpose by or on behalf of the persons entitled thereto. Any person to whom payment, delivery, transfer or issuance is made is answerable and accountable therefor to any personal representative of the estate or to any other person having a superior right.
History: 1953 Comp., § 32A-3-1202, enacted by Laws 1975, ch. 257, § 3-1202.
ANNOTATIONSOfficial comments. — See Commissioners on Uniform State Law official comment to 3-1202 UPC.
Compiler's notes. — This section includes within its scope some of the functions of 31-13-2, 1953 Comp.
Cross references. — For effect of affidavit on collection of employee's final payment for wages by surviving spouse, see 45-3-1302 NMSA 1978.
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 33 C.J.S. Executors and Administrators §§ 5, 153.