May 30, 2019May 13, 2020 by personal-finance

Duties of and Selection Criteria for the Personal Representative

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Duties of the Personal Representative

The personal representative:

Proves the will in probate court
Collects and inventories property
Pays bills and collects debts
Files tax returns
Manages probate property
Defends or brings lawsuits, if needed
Distributes property

Selection Criteria for the Personal Representative

Choose your personal representative carefully. The person you select must be:

Able to do the job
Willing
Able to keep peace among family members
Able to meet legal requirements
Conveniently located nearby, if possible

African American attorney writing notes

Next: Gifting and Tax Strategies >>

Lesson Contents

I. Introduction

II. Estate Planning

III. Power of Attorney: Planning for Incapacity

IV. Property Transfer: Documents and Legal Arrangements

V. A Will: Who Needs One?

VI. The Probate Process

VII. Personal Representative: To Carry Out Your Wishes

a. Duties of and Selection Criteria for the Personal Representative

VIII. Gifting and Tax Strategies

IX. A Trust: Who Needs One?

X. How to Hire and Work with an Attorney

Case Studies and Resources

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Acknowledgments

Prepare Your Estate Plan belongs to a series called Legally Secure Your Financial Future. The series also includes information to help you organize important household papers and to communicate your health-care wishes.