1. Personal Representatives: Types, Pre-Probate Duties, and Appointment
Chapter 8

2. Personal Representative
A person authorized to administer the estate of a decedent, whether the decedent died testate or intestate

3. Pre-Probate Duties of the Personal Representative and Paralegal
Search for the will and personal and business records
Notify the appropriate parties of the decedent's death
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate
Schedule and hold a family conference
Seek court appointment for the personal representative

4. Probating (Proving) the Will
The court may require the subscribing witnesses to testify in court to the following:
They were present at time the will was signed
The testator made a declaration of intent to sign the will
The testator did sign the will
The testator was over the age of 18

5. Letters of Authority Letters Testamentary Letters of Administration
Authority granted to a personal representative when there is a will
Letters of Administration
Authority granted to a personal representative when there is no will