What does a personal representative of the decedent do?

The role of a personal representative of the decedent primarily involves managing the estate according to the instructions left in the will. This includes settling estate matters, which can encompass gathering and appraising assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will. This process is crucial for ensuring that the decedent's wishes are honored and that the estate is handled legally and efficiently.

While providing emotional support and offering counseling are important aspects of dealing with death, they are not roles designated to the personal representative. Additionally, though a personal representative may interact with various legal entities, they do not necessarily provide legal representation unless they are also an attorney. Their main responsibility lies in executing the directives of the will and managing the decedent’s estate affairs in accordance with legal requirements.