Necessity of appointment for administration.

Except as otherwise provided in Sections 4-101 through 4-401 [45-4-101 to 45-4- 401 NMSA 1978], to acquire the powers and undertake the duties and liabilities of a personal representative of a decedent, a person must be appointed by order of the district court or probate court, qualify and be issued letters. Administration of an estate is commenced by the issuance of letters.