Administrator

Plain English

An administrator is similar to an executor, but they're appointed by the probate court rather than named in a will. This happens when someone dies without a valid will (called dying intestate). The administrator follows state law to determine who inherits and manages the estate. The female equivalent is called an administratrix, though "administrator" now applies to any gender.

Example

When James died without a will, the probate court appointed his mother as administrator. She followed state intestacy laws to identify his heirs and distribute his property accordingly.

Used in a sentence

“The court appointed an administrator to settle the estate of the deceased who left no will.”

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