What is a personal representative?

A personal representative is someone appointed by the court to handle the affairs of a deceased person, such as preparing and filing the required documents to probate the estate, paying valid bills and debts, collecting assets, gathering and safeguarding property, and distributing assets. In Virginia, the court may appoint an executor or an administrator to serve as the personal representative. An executor is someone named in a will to handle the affairs of the estate. An administrator is appointed by the court when a person dies without a will. In either case, the personal representative must follow the instructions and requirements set forth in Virginia probate law. The personal representative is responsible for all financial transactions associated with the estate, including filing tax returns and paying any liabilities of the estate. He or she must also prepare and file the required inventory of estate assets and debts, as well as account for the assets and manage the estate in accordance with the terms of the will or the powers granted by the court. Personal representative must also protect asset of the estate, to ensure that those assets are properly distributed to beneficiaries. In addition to financial responsibilities, the personal representative must handle other tasks, such as notifying creditors and heirs of their rights, and ensuring that assets are distributed to the rightful beneficiaries. The personal representative is also responsible for making sure the administration of the estate is done properly and with integrity.

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