When someone passes away, the money and property they leave behind is their estate. An estate needs to be managed and then distributed to the people who will inherit. The person who manages an estate is called the personal representative and is appointed after the estate is opened with the Register of Wills.
If you think you will be appointed the personal representative and would like to know more about preparing to open an estate, watch this video series for information on steps to take before filing to open an estate and what documents you need to file. If you have already been appointed the personal representative of an estate, watch the video series Estate Administration for Personal Representatives for more information on the steps you will take to manage the estate.
Last updated: May 2026