No real property of a deceased person shall be liable for debts of such person unless letters testamentary or of administration be granted within three (3) years from the date of the death of such decedent; provided, however, that this section shall not affect the lien of any mortgage, upon specific real property, existing and recorded as provided by law at the date of the death of such decedent.
Laws 1945, p. 188, § 1.