As a practical matter, it is very difficult for a non-lawyer to correctly follow the required procedures in administering an estate without the assistance of an attorney. The personal representative selects the attorney for the estate. If there is a will, it is a courtesy to the deceased to use the attorney who prepared the will. Otherwise, the executor or administrator may use an attorney who is known or who has been recommended. An attorney can also be located through a lawyer referral service, which will be listed in the yellow pages under the heading of "Attorneys," "Lawyers," "Attorney Referral Service," or "Lawyer Referral Service."