Who Is Responsible For Handling The Probate Process?

A "Personal Representative" (sometime also referred to as the "executor" or "executrix" if there is a Will, or the "administrator" or "administratix" if there is no Will) is appointed as part of the probate proceeding. This person has the responsibility for managing the estate through the proceeding, subject to the direction of the court and the probate rules and procedures.

Typically, the probate court has a considerable amount of control over the activities of the Personal Representative. Often the court will require that she or he obtain prior permission before certain actions may take place (e.g., the sale of property) The court will also typically require an accounting from the Personal Representative of all transactions.