(A) Except as otherwise directed by the decedent in the decedent's will , an executor or administrator, without personal liability for losses incurred, may continue the decedent's business during four months next following the date of the appointment of that executor or administrator, unless the probate court directs otherwise, and for any further time that the court may authorize upon a hearing and after notice to the surviving spouse and distributees. In either case, no debts incurred or contracts entered into shall involve the estate beyond the assets used in that business immediately prior to the death of the decedent without first obtaining the approval of the court. During the time the business is continued, the executor or administrator shall file monthly reports in the court, setting forth the receipts and expenses of the business for the preceding month and any other pertinent information that the court may require. The executor or administrator may not bind the estate without court approval beyond the period during which the business is continued.

(B) As used in this section, "decedent's business" means a business that is owned by the decedent as a sole proprietor at the time of the decedent's death. "Decedent's business" does not include a business that is owned in whole or in part by the decedent as a shareholder of a corporation, a member of a limited liability company, or a partner of a partnership, or under any other form of ownership other than a sole proprietorship.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.52, SB 124, §1, eff. 1/13/2012.

Effective Date: 07-23-2002 .