Generally speaking, probate courts greatly prefer for one party to step forward and designate themself as the personal representative of the estate. Contrary to popular belief, the testator (person who drafts their will) can only state their preference for a personal representative — sometimes called an executor — not designate them outright. Technically, any person can petition to become the personal representative so long as they have a verifiable interest in the estate’s management. A creditor can become the personal representative, for example, when no other interested party has emerged.