The main tasks of a Personal Representative are to:

1. determine if there are any probate assets;
2. identify, gather, and inventory the assets of the deceased;
3. receive payments due the estate, including interest, dividends, and other income (e.g., unpaid salary, vacation pay, and other company benefits);
4. set up a checking account for the estate;
5. figure out who is going to get what and how much under the Will (if there is no Will, the state’s “interstate succession laws” apply);
6. value or appraise the estate’s assets;
7. give legal notice to potential creditors (the procedure and deadlines for creditors to file claims vary from state-to-state);
8. investigate the validity of all claims against the estate;
9. pay funeral bills, outstanding debts, and valid claims;
10. pay the expenses of administrating the estate;
11. handle various paperwork, such as discontinuing utilities and charge cards, and notifying Social Security, Civil Service, and Veterans Administration of the death;
12. file and pay income and estate taxes;
13. distribute the remaining property in accordance with the instructions provided in the deceased’s Will; and
14. close probate.