If any assets of the estate are encumbered by mortgage, pledge, lien, or other security interest, the executor or administrator may, except as otherwise provided by will, pay the encumbrance or any part thereof, renew or extend any obligation secured by the encumbrance, or convey or transfer the assets to the creditor in satisfaction of his or her lien, in whole or in part, whether or not the holder of the encumbrance has filed a claim, if it appears to be for the best interests of the estate. Payment of an encumbrance does not increase the share of the distributee entitled to the encumbered assets unless the distributee is entitled to exoneration. (Added 1975, No. 240 (Adj. Sess.), § 7.)