The administrator of an estate is responsible for managing all aspects of the deceased person’s estate under court supervision. Their duties involve securing assets, paying debts and taxes, resolving disputes, and distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries. The role requires organization, transparency, and adherence to state probate laws.
Step 1: Secure and Inventory Assets
The administrator’s first task is to locate, secure, and protect the estate’s assets. This includes:
- Real estate such as homes, rental properties, and land
- Bank and investment accounts
- Personal property like vehicles, jewelry, and collectibles
- Business interests or shares in privately held companies
- Each item must be documented and valued, often requiring professional appraisals.
Step 2: Notify Beneficiaries and Creditors
The administrator must notify all heirs and beneficiaries named in the will, as well as any individuals entitled to inherit under intestacy laws if no will exists. Creditors must also be informed so they can submit claims for payment.
Step 3: Pay Debts and Expenses
Before distributing assets, the administrator must pay:
- Valid creditor claims
- Funeral and burial costs
- Estate administration expenses
- Any applicable taxes
Failure to settle these obligations before making distributions can result in personal liability.
Step 4: Manage Estate Property
During probate, the administrator is responsible for preserving and, when necessary, managing estate property. This may include:
- Collecting rent from investment properties
- Maintaining insurance coverage
- Making repairs to real estate
- Overseeing business operations temporarily
Step 5: Resolve Disputes
The administrator may need to mediate disputes among beneficiaries or address challenges to the will. While they are not a judge, they are responsible for ensuring fair administration according to the law and the court’s instructions.
Step 6: Distribute Assets
Once debts, expenses, and taxes are paid, the administrator distributes the remaining assets. This process must strictly follow the will’s instructions or, if no will exists, the state’s intestacy laws.
Step 7: Provide Final Accounting
The administrator must submit a detailed accounting to the court, listing all estate transactions. This ensures transparency and allows the court to verify that the estate was handled correctly.
Fiduciary Duty
Administrators have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. They must avoid conflicts of interest, maintain accurate records, and seek court guidance when needed.
Why Legal Guidance Is Critical
A qualified estate planning attorney can assist administrators with legal filings, tax compliance, dispute resolution, and overall estate management. This reduces the risk of errors and speeds up the probate process.
Related Guidance on Estate Administration
Can an Administrator of an Estate Take Everything?
No—administrators must follow legal guidelines and distribute assets according to the will or state law.
How to Become Administrator of Estate
The process involves petitioning the court, notifying heirs, and meeting eligibility requirements.
Can an Administrator of an Estate Be a Beneficiary?
Yes, but they must act impartially and separate personal interests from administrative duties.
How to File for Estate Administrator
This requires filing court paperwork, providing notice to interested parties, and receiving official appointment before acting.
Michael Avanesian, the founder and driving force behind Avian Law Group, is a passionate and dedicated attorney with a strong background in personal injury law. As a partner at JT Legal Group, Michael led the growth of the personal injury practice from a single employee to a team of over ninety professionals, securing over $2 billion in settlements for clients in just three years.
