What Is a Personal Representative?

Probate can be a complicated process with many moving parts. One of the terms you may frequently hear is personal representative. The personal representative is in charge of administration of the entire probate estate. Administration is the process whereby creditors and heirs are notified, taxes and debts are paid, and finally the estate is distributed.

A personal representative may be a person, bank, or trust company. Individuals with Wills may appoint a specific person, bank, or trust company to become personal representative, or a court may appoint one if there is no personal representative in a Will. Certain individuals may have preference over others in being selected personal representative, such as the surviving spouse.

Personal representatives are monitored by the court throughout the entire probate process, but it is important that a trustworthy and reliable individual, bank, or company is selected to ensure the process is completed efficiently and properly.

Personal representatives are entitled to compensation, which is typically a percentage of the value of the probate estate.

Estate administration may become complicated. If you have been appointed personal representative or are an heir of an estate, an attorney may be able to help.

This article is not intended to constitute legal advice nor create an attorney-client relationship