When any assets of the estate are encumbered by an involuntary or voluntary encumbrance, the personal representative may discharge the encumbrance or any part thereof, renew or extend any obligation secured by the encumbrance or convey or transfer the assets to the creditor in satisfaction of the lien, in whole or in part, whether or not the holder of the encumbrance has filed a claim, if it appears to be for the best interest of the estate. Discharge of an encumbrance shall not increase the share of the distributee entitled to the encumbered assets unless the distributee is entitled to exoneration under ORS 115.255 (3). [1969 c.591 §164]
Oregon Legal Code