A person may be nominated in a will to be the personal representative for the estate but naming someone in the will is only a nomination. The person nominated is not automatically the personal representative. A court must approve of the appointment of the personal representative after paperwork is filed with the court. If someone dies without a will, a person can apply to the court to be appointed personal representative. If others interested parties that have priority for appointment do not object, usually the person who applies will be appointed personal representative.
Category:
Probate and Estate Administration