What Does a Personal Representative Do?

What Does a Personal Representative Actually Do in Probate?

Posted: January 20, 2026

Wondering what a personal representative does during probate? From paying bills to distributing assets, here’s what the role usually involves.

A document labeled "Probate" sits on a wooden desk next to a stack of papers, a legal book, and a judge’s gavel—tools often required by the personal representative managing an estate.

Losing a loved one is never easy. And for the person left to handle their estate, it can be hard to know where to even begin. If you’ve ever heard the term personal representative and wondered what that actually means, you’re not alone.

This role is a key part of the probate process in Minnesota, and it carries a lot of responsibility. Let’s take a closer look at what a personal representative typically does—and why the role matters.

First, a Quick Note on Probate
Probate is the legal process for settling someone’s estate after they pass away. It’s the court-supervised way to make sure debts are paid, assets are accounted for, and property ends up in the right hands—either as directed by a will or, if there’s no will, according to state law.

So, Who Is the Personal Representative?
The personal representative is the person who steps in to manage that whole process. If the person who passed away had a will, they may have named someone specifically for the role. If there’s no will, the court usually appoints a close family member.

Either way, this individual becomes the point person for making sure the estate is wrapped up properly.

What Do They Actually Do?
A personal representative wears a lot of hats. Some of their responsibilities might include:

Gathering and taking care of the person’s assets
Letting beneficiaries, family members, and creditors know about the probate
Paying off any remaining bills, debts, or taxes
Keeping track of everything that’s coming in and going out of the estate
Distributing property and assets when everything’s ready

Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, this role can be fairly simple—or surprisingly involved.

Do They Do It Alone?
Not usually. Personal representatives often work alongside professionals like attorneys, accountants, or financial institutions to help manage the details. That extra support can help make sure everything is handled correctly and that the process stays on track.

Final Thoughts
Being named a personal representative is an important role—one that comes with both trust and responsibility. It’s about honoring someone’s wishes, managing their affairs with care, and helping close one chapter so others can move forward.

If you’d like to know more about how the probate process is typically handled in Minnesota, the team at Borden, Steinbauer, Krueger & Knudson, P.A. can provide help.

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