The full explanation
In court, a judge appoints a personal representative, who collects the property, pays the bills of the person who died and distributes what is left to the heirs or beneficiaries. If there is a will, the court also decides whether it is valid. The requirements depend on each place's laws.
An example
When his father dies, Luis finds the original will and delivers it to the court. The judge appoints Luis personal representative; he pays the outstanding bills and then distributes the house and savings as the will says.
You will see it in…
- Papers from your county's probate court
- The will of a relative who died
- Letters from banks or creditors about the accounts of someone who died
