1.  Except as provided in subsection 2, no action can be maintained against an estate for which letters of administration have not been issued unless it is commenced within 3 years next after the death of the decedent.

2.  This section does not affect:

(a) Any lien created by a mortgage or deed of trust which is recorded or a security agreement which is filed.

(b) The rights of any person who is in possession of personal property of the estate.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 652)