Duties of a Personal Representative

~ By Tamra K Waltemath ~

A personal representative is the person who is responsible for administering an estate after the death of someone.  Every last will and testament (“Will”) should name a personal representative, sometimes called an executor.  If someone dies without a Will, the court will appoint a personal representative.  The purpose of a personal representative is to carry out the wishes of the decedent.  It is important to seek the advice of an attorney before opening a probate estate with the court because probate is not always necessary.  If a probate proceeding is necessary, the personal representative must petition the court for appointment. When the court appoints a personal representative, it issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

A personal representative has many duties and responsibilities.  After appointment, the duties of the personal representative are:

  • Ascertain and protect the assets of the estate;
  • Notify all beneficiaries and creditors of the opening of the estate;
  • Prepare a written inventory of the estate;
  • Notify all creditors and pay all legitimate claims;
  • Disallow any illegitimate claims;
  • File and pay the decedent’s last personal taxes,  and estate taxes if necessary;
  • Properly invest estate assets until they can be disbursed;
  • Distribute estate assets to the rightful beneficiaries;
  • Close the estate properly.

A personal representative may be held personally liable for mismanagement
of an estate.  The duties of the personal representative typically last from six months to two years depending on the complexity of the estate.  It is a good idea to seek the advice of an experienced estate and probate attorney when administering an estate.  All court costs and attorney’s fees are paid from the estate; the personal representative is not personally liable for these expenses. The personal representative is entitled to take a fee from the estate for their services to the estate.

If the decedent had prepared a Will, the Will is filed with the Court to begin the probate process.  The probate estate may be opened formally or informally.  If a will was improperly executed or if there are irregularities in the Will a formal probate may be necessary.  Wills that are not prepared by an attorney may be vague or improperly witnessed which often results in a more formal court process.  In addition, if there are problems among beneficiaries or with creditors, an estate may need formal administration.

I have seen many families destroyed during the administration of an estate because of improper acts of the personal representative and or disgruntled beneficiaries.  The goal of my office is to keep estate administration as simple and efficient as possible while keeping family discord at a minimum.  Don’t let the death of a loved one destroy your family.  Seek the advice of an attorney and avoid the pitfalls of probate.


Tamra K. Waltemath

Tamra K. Waltemath

This article was written by Tamra K Waltemath of Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C.  This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  For specific questions, you should consult a qualified attorney. Tamra K. Waltemath is an elder law attorney focusing on wills, trusts, estate and trust administration, probate and non-probate transfers, guardianships and conservatorships.  She can be contacted at:  Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C., 3843 West 73rd Avenue, Westminster, CO  80030; 303-657-0360; or visit her website at: www.WaltemathLawOffice.com.

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