Matter of Estate of Lau

SNELL, Justice.

The issue raised by this appeal is whether a judicial equitable lien and a judgment lien on decedent’s real property are subject to classification under Iowa Code section 633.425 as debts of the estate that shall not be paid until administration costs, burial expenses, taxes, and medical expenses of the decedent’s last illness have been satisfied. Both the district court and the court of appeals determined the liens have priority to the secured property over these debts and charges. We affirm.

On December 9, 1983, the marriage of Aaron Lau and claimant, Brenda Lau VanDeWalker,…