Personal Representatives

Introduction

The **personal representatives (PRs)** are the persons legally empowered to administer the deceased's estate. The generic term PR covers **executors** (appointed in the will) and **administrators** (appointed by the court). This chapter examines the **appointment of executors**, **renunciation and reservation of power**, the **order of priority for administrators** under **NCPR r.20** (with will annexed) and **r.22** (no will), the **chain of representation** under **s.7 AEA 1925** and the **grant de bonis non**, and the **statutory powers of PRs** as examined on SQE1 FLK2.

Assessment focus

For SQE1 FLK2, you must be able to **identify who has the best right to a grant** of representation from a client-based vignette: applying **NCPR r.20** and **r.22**, the rules on **clearing off**, the effect of **divorce/dissolution** (ss.18A, 18C Wills Act 1837), **renunciation** and **intermeddling** (NCPR r.37), **reservation of power**, the **chain of representation** (s.7 AEA 1925) and the **grant de bonis non**. You must also know the **statutory powers** of PRs — sale (s.39 AEA 1925), **appropriation** (s.41 AEA 1925), **advancement** (s.32 TA 1925, as amended by ITPA 2014) and **maintenance** (s.31 TA 1925). Questions are **single best answer questions (SBAQs)** set in realistic scenarios; this is a **closed-book** assessment, so recall the rules, statutory sections and key figures from memory.

Study tips

1) Memorise that a grant issues to **no fewer than one and no more than four** PRs (s.114 SCA 1981), but **at least two individuals (or a trust corporation)** where there is a **minority or life interest**. 2) **Divorce/dissolution** deems the former spouse/CP to have **predeceased** the testator for executor, trustee and beneficiary purposes (ss.18A, 18C WA 1837) — **separation does not**. 3) **Intermeddling** locks an executor into the office: renunciation is then only with the court's leave. 4) **Reservation of power is for executors only** — never apply it to an administrator (a trap). 5) The **chain of representation** (s.7 AEA 1925) applies only to **executors who proved** the will; it is broken by intestacy, renunciation, no executor, or an original **grant of administration**. 6) For **s.32 advancement**, check the **date the trust arose**: post-1 Oct 2014 → up to **100%** of the share; pre-1 Oct 2014 → **50%** cap (unless extended).