Introduction
Executor and administrator are terms that refer to individuals responsible for managing the possessions of a deceased person. These terms are often confused, but they both serve as personal representatives. This article explores the differences between an executor and an administrator.
Executor
An executor is a person named by a deceased individual in their will to carry out their requests regarding their estate. The executor handles debts, taxes, and other expenses related to the deceased person’s properties. After fulfilling these obligations, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the instructions in the will.
Administrator
In cases where a person dies without a will or without naming someone to manage their property, a court appoints an administrator. This individual is known as the administrator of the deceased person’s estate. The administrator is accountable to the probate court and oversees the affairs of the estate.
Differences Between Administrator and Executor
– An executor is named by the deceased person in their will, while an administrator is appointed by a probate court when no one is named.
– An executor carries out the directions outlined in the deceased person’s will.
– Both an executor and an administrator have the same responsibilities, which include handling taxes and expenses before distributing the estate to the heirs according to the will.
– The main difference between an executor and an administrator lies in how they are appointed.
Highlights
1. The terms executor and administrator refer to individuals who are responsible for managing the possessions of a deceased person, with the executor being named in the deceased’s will and the administrator being appointed by a probate court in the absence of a will.
2. Both the executor and administrator have similar duties, which include taking care of debts, taxes, and expenses of the estate before distributing the remaining assets according to the will or court’s instructions.
3. The main difference between an executor and an administrator lies in how they are appointed, with the executor being named by the deceased in their will, while the administrator is appointed by a probate court.
