18. A couple of authors suggest similar qualities that you should look for in a personal
representative. Hershner Hunter suggests a PR needs:
• Ability. This person will need to make many serious and potentially long‐term decisions
which may affect others. They need to have the maturity and judgment to do so
properly and in a way that would satisfy your wishes.
• Availability. As stated earlier, a significant amount of time and effort may be required.
• Geographic Proximity. How much will they need to travel to administrate your estate?
Would you want your children living where they live?
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20. Julie Garber suggests five related qualities to look for in your personal representative:
• Extremely loyal and fair. They need to be loyal to you and your wishes, while, at the
same time, being fair and loyal to multiple and sometimes competing beneficiaries.
• Extremely trustworthy. As Hershner also says, this person must be able to be trusted
with cash and property and see they are handled properly and in the best interests of
the beneficiaries.
• Practical. Planning to double the worth of the estate in Vegas might not be the most
practical course!
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21.
• Organized. There will be many details and arrangements to keep straight and deadlines
to meet. This will take someone who is well organized.
• Tough. Most people think their family will be cordial and cooperative after they die.
Unfortunately, this is often not the case and hidden greed and self interests can make
the job of the personal representative extremely difficult.
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