§ 15.311 - What is in the written decision/order of the BIA deciding official?

The BIA deciding official issues a written decision/order that:

(1) In intestate cases: Lists the names, relationship to the decedent, and shares of the heirs; provides citations to the law of descent and distribution; or the fact that the decedent died leaving no legal heirs;

(2) In testate cases: approves or disapproves a will; interprets provisions of the approved will; provides the names and relationship of the beneficiaries to the decedent; describes the property each beneficiary is to receive;

(3) Allows or disallows claims against the estate; orders the amount of payment for all approved claims;

(4) States whether the heirs or beneficiaries are Indian or non-Indian;

(5) Determines any rights of dower, curtesy or homestead which may constitute a burden upon the interest of the heirs;

(6) Attaches a certified copy of the inventory of trust or restricted lands, if any; and

(7) Advises all interested parties of their appeal rights in accordance with subpart E of this part.