Personal Representative
The general term for the person who manages a deceased person's estate through probate. This term encompasses both executors (named in a will) and administrators (appointed when there is no will). Many states now prefer this term.
Legal Definition
A general term adopted by the Uniform Probate Code and many state statutes to refer to any person who has authority to administer a decedent's estate, whether appointed as executor, administrator, or in any other fiduciary capacity.
Practical Example
Whether you were named in the will as executor or appointed by the court as administrator, you serve as the personal representative of the estate with the same basic duties: gather assets, pay debts, and distribute property.