View source for Duties of a Personal Representative (16:XII)

== A. General Duties ==

The basic duties of an Executor/Administrator are to:
* Obtain a death certificate from the Department of Vital Statistics; However, ordinarily, a funeral home will likely order and provide a death certificate. 
* Locate the last will if there is one and apply for a search of wills notices;
* Arrange for the disposition of the deceased’s body and the funeral;
* Determine the names and addresses of the beneficiaries and intestate heirs and notify them;
* Cancelling subscriptions, redirecting mail and wrapping up personal matters
* Gather papers relating to assets and ascertain the value of the assets (by way of an inventory, taking into account debts and liabilities);
* Safeguard assets until they are sold or distributed, including the transfer of ownership registration and the collection of any debts;
* Selling assets if it is necessary and distributing the estate;
* Prepare and file tax returns;
* Notify appropriate agencies (pensions, subscriptions, charge accounts, etc.); 
* Consider advertising for creditors (see '''Section XI.F: Payment of Debts''' below)
* Paying all valid debts left to the estate (please note that an executor or administrator may be held personally liable for unsettled debts after the distribution of the estate); and
* Preparing and obtaining approval for the beneficiaries for distribution of estate.