In the strict sense, the Court appoints the Personal Representative. If there is a Will appointing a Personal Representative, such person is usually appointed by the Court. If no Will exists, Maryland law provides for a specific order of preferred individual to be appointed: the surviving spouse, if any, and a decedent’s children. A Petition is filed with the Register’s office or with the Orphans’ Court to secure appointment. Therefore, the first formal act is the filing of this Petition.