Section 45-3-1004 - Liability of distributees to claimants.

45-3-1004. Liability of distributees to claimants.

A.     After assets of an estate have been distributed and subject to Section 45-3-1006 NMSA 1978, an unpaid claim not barred may be prosecuted in a proceeding against one or more distributees.   

B.     No distributee shall be liable to claimants for amounts received as family or personal property allowances or for amounts in excess of the value of his distribution as of the time of distribution.  As between distributees, each shall bear the cost of satisfaction of unbarred claims as if the claim had been satisfied in the course of administration.   

C.     Any distributee who fails to notify other distributees of the demand made upon him by the claimant in sufficient time to permit them to join in any proceeding in which the claim was asserted against him loses his right of contribution against other distributees.