Administrator
A person appointed by the court to manage an estate when someone dies without a will, or when the will does not name an executor. The administrator performs the same duties as an executor.
Legal Definition
A person appointed by the probate court to administer the estate of a decedent who died intestate (without a will) or whose named executor is unable or unwilling to serve.
Practical Example
When James dies without a will, the court appoints his wife as administrator of his estate. She must follow state intestacy laws to determine how his assets are distributed, rather than following a will.