When you are appointed personal representative or executor of an estate your task is to bring closure to the legal and financial affairs of the deceased. This may take several months and is known as the probate process.

The first order of business is to be formerly recognized by the local courts. Next is to bring closure to all financial matters owned by the deceased.
This will include paying bills, taxes, closing accounts and selling assets such as cars and property.

The final task is to distribute the remaining assets to beneficiaries named in the will. These beneficiaries are to be kept up to date on the probate process.

While the role of personal representative is primarily administrative it carries legal responsibilities. The probate court provides oversight and may require documentation. This could include providing an inventory of estate assets and a record of estate transactions.

Most personal representatives are first timers so to speak and unaware of the legal duties involved. Understanding your responsibilities ahead of time can help the process run smoothly.