§ 45-3-606 — Terms and conditions of bonds

A. The following requirements and provisions apply to any bond required by Sections 3-601 through 3-618 [45-3-601 to 45-3-618 NMSA 1978]: (1) bonds shall name New Mexico as obligee for the benefit of the interested persons in the estate and shall be conditioned upon the faithful discharge by the personal representative of all duties according to law; (2) unless otherwise provided by the terms of the approved bond, sureties are jointly and severally liable with the personal representative and with each other. The address of sureties shall be stated in the bond; (3) by executing an approved bond of a personal representative, the surety consents to the jurisdiction of the probate court or district court which issued letters to the primary obligor in any proceedings pertaining to the fiduciary duties of the personal representative and naming the surety as a party. Notice of any proceeding shall be delivered to the surety or mailed to him by registered or certified mail at his address as listed with the court where the bond is filed; (4) on petition of a successor personal representative, any other personal representative of the same decedent or any interested person, a proceeding in the district court may be initiated against a surety for breach of the obligation of the bond of the personal representative; and (5) the bond of the personal representative is not void after the first recovery but may be proceeded against from time to time until the whole penalty is exhausted. B. No action or proceeding may be commenced against the surety on any matter as to which an action or proceeding against the primary obligor is barred by adjudication or limitation.

Legislative History

1953 Comp., § 32A-3-606, enacted by Laws 1975, ch. 257, § 3-606.