What authority does a personal representative have in an Independent Administration?

In an Independent Administration, a personal representative has the authority to dispose of the estate's property without requiring court approval. This approach is designed to streamline the probate process and grant the personal representative more autonomy in administering the estate. By eliminating the need for court oversight on every transaction, the personal representative can efficiently manage the estate’s affairs, including selling or transferring assets, paying debts, and dealing with other necessary actions to settle the estate.

This independence is contingent upon the personal representative adhering to the responsibilities defined in the will or the state’s probate code, ensuring that their actions align with the best interests of the beneficiaries. This contrasts with a standard administration where court approval may be needed for various transactions, adding time and complexity to the process.