Chapter 6:01 ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES 19 Penalty for false inventory If any person required and directed under and by virtue of section twelve, fourteen or sixteen to make or cause to be made an inventory of any estate, goods or effects wilfully makes a false inventory thereof, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand dollarslevel six or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment. [Section amended by s. 4 of Act 22/2001.] Custody of Estate Pending Issue of Letters of Administration 20 Custody of estate in community When one of two spouses who have been married in community of property dies, the joint estate shall remain under the charge of the survivor until the executor of the deceased, or the tutor testamentary or dative of the minor children of the marriage, or the Master or curator bonis lawfully appointed to such minor children, takes proceedings for the administration, distribution and final settlement of the joint estate: Provided that nothing in this section shall prevent any such joint estate from being placed under sequestration as insolvent. 21 Custody of estate of person not married in community On the death of any person not being one of two spouses married in community of property, the spouse of the deceased or, in default or absence of the spouse, the child or children of the deceased or, in default, absence or minority of the child or children, the next of kin of the deceased or, in default, absence or minority of the next of kin, the person who at or immediately after the death has the chief charge of the house in or of the place on which the death occurs shall secure and take charge of all goods and effects of whatever description belonging to the deceased and being in the house or upon the premises at the time of death, and shall retain the same in his or her custody and possession until delivery thereof is demanded by the executor of the deceased or by any other person lawfully appointed by the High Court or any judge thereof or the Master, to receive delivery of the same. 22 Custody of estate by curator bonis (1) In all cases where it may be necessary or expedient to do so, the Master may appoint a curator bonis to take the custody and charge of any estate until letters of administration are granted to executors testamentary or dative for the due administration and distribution thereof. (2) Every such curator bonis may collect such debts and may sell or dispose of such perishable property belonging to the estate as the Master shall specially authorize. September 2000-09-27 13