Except as otherwise provided in article 4, to acquire the powers and undertake the duties and liabilities of a personal representative of a decedent, a person must be appointed by order of the court or registrar, qualify and be issued letters. Administration of an estate is commenced by the issuance of letters.
Minn. Stat. § 524.3-103
1974 c 442 art 3 s 524.3-103