What role does a personal representative play in estate administration?

The role of a personal representative in estate administration is crucial. This individual is responsible for managing the estate of a deceased person, which includes a variety of important tasks. One of their primary duties is to ensure that all debts and obligations of the estate are settled. This involves assessing the estate's assets, paying any outstanding debts, settling taxes, and ensuring that the estate is properly administered according to the law.

The personal representative also plays a key role in guiding the distribution of the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the deceased's wishes as outlined in the will. This management aspect ensures that the estate is handled efficiently and in compliance with relevant laws, thereby protecting the interests of both the creditors and the beneficiaries.

In contrast, the other options outline responsibilities that fall outside the scope of what a personal representative typically handles. For instance, determining the validity of trusts may involve legal evaluations that a personal representative would not undertake, while preparing healthcare directives is more aligned with an individual's capacity planning rather than estate administration. Moreover, selecting beneficiaries for the estate contradicts the premise of the personal representative's role, as beneficiaries should be predetermined in a valid will or similar document.