The Personal Representative has the responsibility for managing the estate in accordance with estab-lished probate rules and procedures of the jurisdiction where the probate takes place. Responsibilities of a Personal Representative include:

Locating, inventorying, and obtaining an appraisal of the assets of the decedent

Receiving payments owed to the estate, including unpaid salary, vacation pay, or other benefits due the decedent

Opening a checking account for the estate

Determining how property is distributed

Noticing potential creditors

Investigating the validity of claims against the estate

Paying bills, debts, valid claims and expenses of administrating the estate

Discontinuing utilities and credit cards, closing accounts and notifying appropriate private and governmental agencies of the death

Filing and paying income and estate taxes

Closing the probate