The personal representative is not responsible for the debts. The estate pays the debts.

Yes, a personal representative can sue a beneficiary for slander if the statements made by the beneficiary are false, harmful to the personal representative's reputation, and made with malicious intent. The personal representative would need to prove these elements in court to successfully win a slander case.

No. In order to have any authority an executor or personal representative must be appointed by a court.

No. In order to have any authority an executor or personal representative must be appointed by a court.

No. In order to have any authority an executor or personal representative must be appointed by a court.

No. In order to have any authority an executor or personal representative must be appointed by a court.

No.

Appointment as a personal representative is valid until the estate is closed with the court. Closing of the estate will take at least 4 months, but can take decades. The court also as the ability to remove a personal representative or executor at any time.