[header] How to access estate assets not held by a living trust [title] Read the will. [step] The decedent can appoint an executor (also called a " personal representative ") in his or her will. This person will serve unless they decline or are otherwise disqualified. 
Find the decedent's will and see if someone has been named as the executor. [substeps] If no one was named, or if no will was created, then the judge will have to appoint someone to serve.