Opinion ID: 2042259
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Authority of Beneficiaries to Settle Wrongful Death Claim and Related Underinsured Motorist Coverage Claims.

Text: In considering the arguments of the parties we are satisfied that the court of appeals correctly concluded that the validity of Jaron and Ruth's release is not governed by Iowa Code section 633.114. That section merely requires that a compromise by an administrator of an estate be approved by the court. We have recognized that where there are no debts and all beneficiaries agree on division of estate property, there is no reason to prevent settlement and distribution without the appointment of an administrator. Heinz v. Vawter, 221 Iowa 714, 716, 266 N.W. 486, 487 (1936); Christie v. Chicago R.I. & P.R. Co., 104 Iowa 707, 710, 74 N.W. 697, 698 (1898). We are also satisfied that the language of section 633.336 did not preclude Gregory's parents from releasing any claims which survived his death. Section 633.336 provides, in part: When a wrongful act produces death, damages recovered therefor shall be disposed of as personal property belonging to the estate of the deceased.... (Emphasis added). Nearly identical language was contained in Iowa Code section 2526 (1873) at the time the Christie case was decided. Notwithstanding that language, we upheld the authority of estate beneficiaries to settle claims of the estate in the absence of creditors. In so holding, we observed: Under our law the right to a distributive share of personalty in the estate of an intestate vests instanter in the heir upon the death of the owner and not from the time of distribution made. Distribution gives to the distributee no new title.... Christie, 104 Iowa at 709, 74 N.W. at 697. The law with respect to instant vesting of distributive shares in an intestate decedent's personalty has not changed since the Christie case. See Ritz v. Selma United Methodist Church, 467 N.W.2d 266, 270 (Iowa 1991); Iowa Code § 633.350 (1987). Based on these considerations, we believe that the court of appeals correctly held that Jaron and Ruth could have validly released any of Gregory's claims against Allstate which survived his death under Iowa Code section 611.20 (1987).