A Missouri personal representative without a will, also commonly known as an executor or administrator, is an individual who is appointed by the court to manage the estate of a deceased person who did not leave a will. This appointed representative assumes the responsibility of settling the deceased's affairs and distributing their assets according to the laws of intestate succession in the state of Missouri. When an individual passes away without a will, it means they have died intestate. In such cases, the court typically selects a personal representative to handle the estate administration process. The court's primary objective is to appoint someone who is deemed competent and trustworthy to carry out the necessary duties. There are two types of Missouri personal representatives without a will, namely: 1. Administrator: If the deceased individual had no prior will or if the nominated executor is unwilling or unable to fulfill their duties, the court usually appoints an administrator. The administrator is usually a close family member or a trusted individual who has an interest in the estate. The court may require the administrator to post a bond to ensure the faithful performance of their duties. 2. Public Administrator: In cases where there are no eligible family members or individuals willing to act as the personal representative, the court may appoint a public administrator. The public administrator is a government official who assumes the role of managing the estate according to state laws. They are typically appointed when there is a lack of qualified private individuals available for the role. The role of a Missouri personal representative without a will entails various responsibilities. These include: 1. Gathering and securing the deceased's assets: The personal representative must locate, inventory, and safeguard all assets belonging to the deceased, such as bank accounts, real estate, investments, and personal property. 2. Identifying and notifying beneficiaries: The representative must identify and locate all potential heirs under Missouri law and notify them of their rights to inherit from the estate. 3. Settling debts and taxes: The personal representative is responsible for paying off any outstanding debts, including funeral expenses, taxes, and other financial obligations owed by the deceased. 4. Distributing assets: Following the settlement of debts, the personal representative must oversee the fair distribution of the remaining assets to the heirs as determined by state laws of intestacy. 5. Filing court documents: The representative must file various court documents and reports informing the court about the progress of the estate administration. In conclusion, a Missouri personal representative without a will, whether an administrator or a public administrator, plays a crucial role in managing the estate of a deceased individual who died intestate. Their responsibilities include asset identification, debt settlement, beneficiary notification, asset distribution, and court documentation. By law, the personal representative must adhere to the state's intestate succession laws to ensure that the estate is properly administered and the assets are distributed to the rightful heirs.