What is one of the primary duties of a personal representative?

The primary duty of a personal representative is to conduct the estate’s administration according to the law. This role is crucial as it involves managing and settling the affairs of the deceased person's estate, ensuring that all assets are accounted for, debts are paid, and the remaining assets are distributed according to the instructions outlined in the will or, in the absence of a will, according to state law. The personal representative must also adhere to legal requirements throughout the process, maintaining transparency and acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries while fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities.

In contrast, overseeing the will's creation is not a responsibility of the personal representative, as this task is typically managed by the testator (the person creating the will) and their legal advisors. Acting as a court's advisory falls outside the personal representative’s role, as their duty is primarily to manage the estate rather than to provide advice to the court. While informing family members about the will can be a part of good communication and transparency, it does not encapsulate the primary function through which the personal representative fulfills their legal obligations.