When is an administrator appointed?

• A. The executor must always act
• B. The administrator is the person who manages the estate during probate
• C. The administrator handles all taxes
• D. The administrator is appointed when the executor does not wish to act or if no will exists

Answer: (D)

In probate, who handles the estate depends on whether there is a will. An executor is named in a will and is normally the person responsible for administering the estate. An administrator is appointed when there is no valid will, or when the named executor cannot or does not wish to act. The court steps in to appoint the administrator to collect assets, settle debts, and distribute the estate according to the law. So this scenario—when the executor won’t act or there is no will—describes when an administrator takes on the role.