1. Inspect all documents and personal papers of the decedent and retain anything pertinent to tax reporting, location and value of assets, debts or obligations of or to the decedent, or any other items of significance to administration of the estate of the decedent.

2. Locate, collect and maintain all property owned by the decedent.

3. Keep motor vehicles and real estate insured and protected.

4. Immediately fill out a change of address at the post office to have the decedent's mail forwarded to you.

5. Determine the values of all assets on the date of death, obtaining appraisals if needed.

6. Inventory the contents of any safety deposit box.

7. Collect any proceeds of life insurance on the life of the decedent which is payable to the estate. Obtain Form 712 from the insurance company, if needed for taxes.

8. Sign your name as "Personal Representative for the Estate of (name of decedent)" on accounts and securities which are registered to the estate.

9. Open a separate checking account in your name as “personal representative for the estate of (the decedent)”, and NEVER CO-MINGLE your funds or anyone else's funds with this account. Always make estate expenditures by check and retain proof of payment. Make sure the bank is willing to return cancelled checks to you if needed. Obtain a federal I.D. number for the checking account. Do not use your Social Security number or decedent's Social Security number.

It is recommended by the court that you leave the checkbook with your lawyer so that the lawyer can aid you in maintaining accurate records of receipts and expenditures for final accounting purposes.

A. DO NOT put any of your funds or anyone else's funds in the estate checking account.

B. Always pay for estate expenses by checks from the estate checking account. Do not pay any expenses with cash,

C. Keeps records of all deposits including the identity of the person or entity paying the money into the estate.

10. Determine all debts that the decedent owed. Look through decedent's tax returns and other papers. Talk to anyone who knew decedent's business. Consult your attorney as to payment of debts, costs of administration, bond premiums, and funeral bills. Some debts may be unenforceable. Some may have priority over others.

11. Have your attorney provide written notice of the administration of the estate to all known creditors of the estate.

12. NEVER borrow estate property or put it to your own personal use.