What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia. I am the personal representative of my father-in-law's estate. My wife and her brother are the heirs of the account. My wife has been taking care of her father and paying his bills for the last 7 years. There is only one bill outstanding. It will be paid as soon as I receive it. My question is can I start distributing some of the funds in the estate to the heirs before the probate process is finished.