When people die, they usually own property, owe debts, and may be owed money by other people. The probate process is often required to settle an estate. If the decedent has a valid will, he or she may have appointed a personal representative known as an to supervise the probate process and settle the estate. However, if the decedent does not have a valid will, the probate process is usually supervised by a court-appointed The individual supervising the probate process becomes the decedent's legal representative, taking care of such matters as collecting bank accounts and money owed to the decedent, paying off debts, creating clear title to make real estate marketable, and distributing the remainder to those who are entitled to it by the decedent's will or by the state's intestate laws.