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1. As a pro se, what proceedings can I do on my own?

The only proceedings that you can handle as a pro se are those in which you truly would be representing only yourself. For example, a pro se may apply to probate a will as a muniment of title when he or she is the sole beneficiary under a will and there are no debts against the estate other than those secured by liens against real estate. This procedure can be a viable option in some situation, but not in others. Whether a muniment of title is the correct probate procedure for a particular situation is a legal decision that is best made by a lawyer. Note that anyone falsely swearing that the estate has no creditors is subject to a perjury charge.

2. Can I still serve as an executor, administrator, or guardian even though I'm not a lawyer?

Yes. One need not be a lawyer to serve as an executor, administrator, or guardian.
However, the executor, administrator, or guardian must be represented by counsel.

3. If I get the paperwork from a law library or the Internet, can I fill it out and file it? Isn’t that what lawyers do?

Lawyers don’t just fill out forms. Lawyers (1) determine what method of probate or guardianship is appropriate in a particular situation, (2) create or adapt any necessary paperwork, and (3) advise the client about the ongoing responsibilities of a fiduciary. Unless you are a lawyer, you’re creating legal pleadings while acting as a fiduciary would constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

4. What is a pro se?

A pro se is an individual who has not retained a lawyer and appears in court to represent himself and no other person or entity.