A widow executes a will leaving her house to her son and the residuary estate to her daughter. The house is subject to a purchase-money mortgage. The son demands that the personal representative pay off the mortgage from the residuary estate. The will contains a general provision for payment of debts but no specific provision authorizing payment of the mortgage. Should the personal representative accede to the son’s demand under the common-law doctrine of exoneration of liens?

• A. Yes, because the son has a right to exoneration of the mortgage.
• B. Yes, because the will contains a general debt provision.
• C. No, because the doctrine of exoneration has largely been abolished and property passes subject to encumbrances.
• D. No, because the mortgage is purchase-money.

Answer: (A)