(a) The purpose of a personal representative is to vest one or more persons with the responsibility and authority to settle the decedent’s estate in accord with the decedent’s will, if any, and applicable law. In the event a personal representative is not available and the decedent’s estate must be administered to avoid loss, waste, or depreciation of property of the decedent’s estate, a special administrator may be appointed by the Court.

(b) A personal representative must be at least 18 years old and legally competent. Persons who have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude may not serve as personal representative or special administrator. A special administrator may not be an heir or named beneficiary of decedent’s estate. More than one person may serve jointly as personal representative or special administrator.

(c) The provisions of this chapter that apply to personal representatives apply equally to special administrators. [Ord. 53 § 8503, amended, 10/30/2018; Ord. 50B § 8503, amended, 6/22/2017.]