What does the term 'personal representative' refer to?

The term 'personal representative' refers to an individual appointed to manage the estate of a deceased person. This includes handling financial affairs, paying debts, distributing assets, and ensuring that the estate is settled according to the decedent's wishes or state law. In this context, the correct answer reflects the role of a personal representative in overseeing the financial aspects of a person's estate, especially when that individual is unable to manage their own affairs, such as in the case of death.

While a guardian for minor children is responsible for their welfare and not necessarily related to estate management, an attorney handling legal representation focuses on providing legal services rather than managing an estate. Similarly, while a family member may become a personal representative, the term itself does not specifically denote this relationship. The key aspect of the role is the management of financial matters following someone's inability to do so, particularly after their death.