71-1-213. Discharge or release by other than mortgagee. (1) If a discharge or release is made by the personal representative of the mortgagee, it must be accompanied by a certified copy of the personal representative's authority unless the authority is already recorded in the office of the county clerk and recorder where the mortgage is recorded.

(2) If the discharge or release is made by an assignee, it must be accompanied by the assignment of the mortgage unless the assignment is already recorded in the office of the county clerk and recorder where the mortgage is recorded.

(3) If the discharge or release is executed by an attorney-in-fact, the discharge or release must have attached to it the power of attorney under which it is made unless the power of attorney is already recorded in the office of the county clerk and recorder where the mortgage is recorded.

(4) If the discharge or release is executed by the heir or heirs of the mortgagee, the discharge or release must be accompanied by a certified copy of an order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction showing the authority unless the order or decree is already recorded in the office of the county clerk and recorder where the mortgage is recorded.

(5) Foreign administrators and executors may discharge or release mortgages of record in Montana if the discharge or release of mortgages is accompanied by an authenticated copy of their letters of administration or letters testamentary, with the certificate of the clerk of the court in which the appointment was made that the letters have not been revoked and are in full force. The certificate and certified copy of letters must be recorded with the discharge or release of the mortgage. When presented and recorded, the discharge or release has the same effect as if the mortgage was discharged or released by the mortgagee.