Initially, you file the original will, death certificate, and Petition for Administration to open the estate. Once appointed, you must file an Oath of Personal Representative and obtain Letters of Administration as your proof of authority.
Within 60 days of appointment, file a comprehensive inventory of estate assets. You'll also file a Notice of Administration that gets sent to beneficiaries, and proof that you properly published Notice to Creditors in a newspaper.
As administration progresses, you file accountings showing all money received and spent by the estate. For any major transactions like selling real estate, you may need to petition the court for approval. When ready to close the estate, you file a final accounting, petition for discharge, and proof of distribution to beneficiaries. Some estates qualify for simplified procedures with fewer filing requirements.