ORS 114.265: A personal representative is a fiduciary who is under a general duty to and shall collect the income from property of the estate in the possession of the personal representative and preserve, settle and distribute the estate in accordance with the terms of the will and [relevant Oregon Revised Statutes] as expeditiously and with as little sacrifice of value as is reasonable under the circumstances.​​

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Standard duties of a personal representative include:

• Safeguarding the property of the decedent’s estate.

• Opening a dedicated estate bank account to consolidate assets, cash checks, and pay expenses.

• Determining the creditors of the estate and pay valid claims.  

• Notifying heirs and beneficiaries.

• Preparing an inventory of the decedent’s assets.

• Filing and paying any taxes due.

• Distributing property to the proper beneficiaries.​

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Learn more about wills, probate, and the duties of a personal representative through the Oregon State Bar.

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