What is a Personal Representative or an Administrator of an estate in Oregon?

A personal representative is a person or organization appointed to administer a deceased person’s estate as specified in a will. A will generally names a personal representative who, if willing to serve and is qualified, must be approved by the court.  Letters Testamentary will then be issued by the court, enabling the personal representative to proceed with estate administration.

If a person dies without a will, the court will select the personal representative, usually the spouse, an adult child or another close relative. If none of those people are available or willing to be the personal representative, the court may choose a professional fiduciary or other qualified entity, and Letters of Administration will be issued.