How is a personal representative/executor appointed?

Whether appointed by the testator’s will or qualified to serve by statute, an individual must be appointed by the court to administer the estate. This individual, referred to as the personal representative or executor, will be granted Letters of Administration providing them with the power to act on behalf of the decedent’s estate. Without these letters endorsed by the magistrate in probate court, you will not be able to access bank accounts, dispose of real estate, or shift assets owned by the decedent.