What role does a Personal Representative play upon a person's death?

The role of a Personal Representative, often referred to as an Executor or Administrator, is to manage and distribute the estate of a deceased person. This involves several responsibilities, starting with overseeing the probate process, which ensures that the deceased’s affairs are settled according to their wishes as expressed in a will, or according to state law if there is no will.

The Personal Representative is tasked with gathering the deceased's assets, ensuring that all debts and taxes are paid from the estate, and then distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will or according to intestate succession laws. This role requires a balanced approach to adhere to legal requirements while also addressing the needs and rights of the beneficiaries.

In this context, while other responsibilities such as managing debts and the potential sale of property may fall under their purview, the core function of the Personal Representative centers on the overall management and distribution of the entire estate, making this the accurate choice.