A “personal representative” is better known as the Executor or Administrator of the Will: the person who oversees the distribution of assets as it is written in the Will, guiding it through Probate. The following are the most common functions of the Exector:
– Keep safe a copy of the Will;
– Obtain certified copies of the death certificate;
– Find the beneficiaries named in the Will and others who must be notified about the Will (children of the decedent not named, etc.);
– Determine all probate assets;
– File a petition with the probate court (if required for that state);
– Identify all assets of the deceased;
– Value or appraise the estate\’s assets;- Give legal notice to all potential creditors;
– Receive all payments due to the estate;
– Investigate claims against the estate;
– Pay the expenses of administrating the estate;- Pay funeral bills and other outstanding debts and claims;
– Handle standard paperwork for the deceased in regards to government agencies;
– File and pay all income and estate taxes;
– Distribute the remaining property in accordance with the instructions provided in the Will;
– Close the probate case.
See Standard Legal’s Last Will and Testament Legal Forms Software for complete forms, overviews and instructions.