Administrator Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Administrator, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Administrator?

n. administrator is a person lawfully appointed, with his assent, by an officer having jurisdiction. The terms is used in the context of trusts. Herein an administrator is the person who is needed to manage and settle the estate of a deceased person who has left no executor, or one who is for. the time incompetent or unable to act. Usually the administrator is vested with full and ample power to take possession of all the personal estate, to sell it, to collect the debts due, to pay the debts, authorized to bring and defend actions, etc.

History and Definition of Administrator

An administrator is a person who is legally appointed to manage and settle the estate of a deceased person who has not named an executor, or the named executor is unable or unwilling to act. The duty of the administrator is to collect and manage the assets of the deceased and pay off any debts owed from their estate. The administrator has the power to sell assets, collect debts owed, and make decisions on behalf of the estate.

In the past, administrators were often appointed by the court or another legal authority, but today they are usually named in the will of the deceased. If there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator. Administrators are often required to post a bond to ensure that they properly manage the assets of the estate.

Examples of Administrator

  1. When John died without a will, the court appointed his sister as the administrator of his estate.
  2. After the business owner passed away, the administrator was responsible for selling the company's assets and paying off its debts.
  3. The administrator of the trust was given the power to sell the property and distribute the proceeds to the beneficiaries.

Legal Terms Similar to Administrator

  1. Executor - an individual appointed to carry out the terms of a will.
  2. Trustee - a person appointed to manage assets in a trust for the benefit of the trust's beneficiaries.
  3. Conservator - a court-appointed individual who manages the affairs of an individual who is unable to do so themselves due to illness or disability.