Duties of a Personal Representative/Executor

Understanding the Duties of a Personal Representative/Executor

A Personal Representative (Executor) manages a deceased person's estate, ensuring it is settled per the decedent’s Last Will and Testament or state probate laws. Key responsibilities include:

• Opening the Estate: Filing a Petition for Probate and obtaining Letters of Administration.

• Identifying Assets: Collecting and appraising the decedent's assets, including real estate and accounts.

• Opening an Estate Account: Getting a Tax ID Number and establishing a bank account for estate transactions.

• Notifying Creditors: Informing creditors of the decedent’s death to settle claims within a specific timeframe.

• Financial Accounting: Maintaining and filing an account of the estate’s financial activities, including expenses.

• Filing Tax Returns: Preparing necessary state and federal tax returns for the decedent and the estate.

• Distribution of Assets: Allocating assets to beneficiaries as per the Will or probate laws and closing the estate upon court approval.

These steps ensure the estate is managed properly, protecting the interests of all parties involved. Our office can effectively address any legal questions for Personal Representatives If you have any questions, please fill out the following form below and a Probate lawyer from our office will get back to you.