A Personal Representative (Executor) is a person or company appointed by the court to administer the estate of the person who died.  The Personal Representative may be named in the Will, or the court may appoint a licensed fiduciary and/or family member in the event that there is no Will or appropriate nomination.  The Personal Representative must locate, inventory, and protect all the assets of the estate.  In addition, the Personal Representative pays bills and allowable claims against the estate.  Once all the bills, allowable claims, and administrative costs are paid, the remaining assets are distributed to the heirs and beneficiaries either as set forth in the Will, or as ordered by the court. In Arizona, Professional Personal Representatives must be licensed through completion of a certification program administered by the Arizona Supreme Court.