Which term is used for the court-appointed person who handles the estate of a person who dies without a will?

Which term is used for the court-appointed person who handles the estate of a person who dies without a will?

• A. The Executor
• B. The Administrator
• C. The Trustee
• D. The Guardian

Answer: (B)

When someone dies without a will, the court steps in to oversee settling the estate. The person appointed to handle this is called the administrator. The administrator gathers assets, pays debts and taxes, and then distributes the remaining property according to state intestacy laws. This role is different from an executor, who is named in a will to carry out its instructions; a trustee, who manages property placed in a trust; and a guardian, who looks after a minor or incapacitated person. The administrator's authority comes from the court through the probate process, ensuring the estate is handled properly in the absence of a will.

When someone dies without a will, the court steps in to oversee settling the estate. The person appointed to handle this is called the administrator. The administrator gathers assets, pays debts and taxes, and then distributes the remaining property according to state intestacy laws. This role is different from an executor, who is named in a will to carry out its instructions; a trustee, who manages property placed in a trust; and a guardian, who looks after a minor or incapacitated person. The administrator's authority comes from the court through the probate process, ensuring the estate is handled properly in the absence of a will.