What does the executor or personal representative do in a probate case?

The personal representative must inventory (and have appraised), collect, protect, maintain, and manage the assets so that they can be used to pay the decedent’s debts and distribute to the beneficiaries with the court’s approval.

The personal representative has a duty of good faith to the estate, which means he or she cannot spend the money or distribute it to heirs without a court order allowing it. He or she should file any required tax returns and notify the attorney for the estate of additional assets are discovered during probate that were not previously reported.