In estate law, what is generally meant by "personal representative"?

In estate law, the term "personal representative" refers to anyone who is appointed to administer the estate of a deceased person. This individual is responsible for carrying out the instructions in the deceased's will (if one exists) or managing the estate according to the laws of intestacy if there is no will. The personal representative has the legal authority to manage the deceased's assets, settle debts, and distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.

Choosing "anyone representing interests in an estate" captures the broad scope of who can act as a personal representative. This includes executors named in a will, administrators appointed by the court in intestacy situations, and sometimes even individuals acting on behalf of the estate before formal appointment. Thus, the correct understanding of this term encompasses various roles and responsibilities related to representing and managing the estate, which aligns perfectly with the definition provided in this choice.

The other options describe more specific scenarios that do not fully encompass the definition of a personal representative. A family member of the deceased, for example, may not necessarily have any legal authority unless they are also appointed as the personal representative. An attorney can act on behalf of the estate but is not the personal representative unless specifically appointed in that role. While an individual named to receive assets may