N.D. Cent. Code § 30.1-14-07
30.1-14-07. (3-307) Informal appointment proceedings - Delay in order - Duty of court - Effect of appointment
30.1-14-07. (3-307) Informal appointment proceedings - Delay in order - Duty of court -
Effect of appointment.
1. Upon receipt of an application for informal appointment of a personal representative
other than a special administrator as provided in section 30.1-17-14, if at least one
hundred twenty hours have elapsed since the decedent's death, the court, after
making the findings required by section 30.1-14-08, shall appoint the applicant subject
to qualification and acceptance. If the decedent was a nonresident, the court shall
delay the order of appointment until thirty days have elapsed since death unless the
personal representative appointed at the decedent's domicile is the applicant or unless
the decedent's will directs that the estate be subject to the laws of this state. The court
must make its order of appointment and issue letters testamentary or letters of
administration within ten working days after all requirements for informal proceedings
have been met.
2. The status of personal representative and the powers and duties pertaining to the
office are fully established by informal appointment. An appointment, and the office of
personal representative created thereby, is subject to termination as provided in
sections 30.1-17-08 through 30.1-17-12, but is not subject to retroactive vacation.