Wills - Powers and Duties of Personal Reps

Question 1

A personal representative is also known as

Answer 1

(i.e., executor of the estate)

Question 2

A personal representative handles

Answer 2

all matters associated with probate (e.g., filing paperwork, gathering and managing the decedent’s property until distribution, notifying devisees, creditors, and other necessary parties, etc.).

Question 3

If a decedent does NOT name a personal representative in his will,

Answer 3

the court will appoint one (usually a surviving spouse or heir of the decedent – if there are no heirs, a creditor may be appointed).