Administrator vs Executor
Executor and administrator are terms that are associated with individuals who have been asked to look after the possessions of a person who has passed away. These possessions are mainly immovable, and this is the reason why there is an executor or an administrator of an estate. The duties of the two titles are so similar that people are often confused between these terms. In fact, both are collectively known or referred to as personal representative. This article looks at the two terms administrator and executor to find out their differences.
Executor
If an individual dies after making a will, he mentions the name of the person who will execute his directions relating to his estate. This person is known as the executor who looks after the debts, taxes, and payment of other expenses of all the properties owned by the deceased person. After performing these actions, he is entitled to distribute the remaining assets according to the will of the deceased among his heirs or to other beneficiaries as mentioned in the will.
Administrator
When an individual dies without making a will or without naming the individual who will look after the affairs of his property, such a person is appointed by the court. This person, who is classified as a personal representative is known as the administrator of the estate of the deceased. Administrator of an estate remains under the control of a court called probate court and he is also accountable to this court while discharging his duties.
What is the difference between Administrator and Executor?
• The personal representative who has been appointed by the deceased person in his last will is called an executor.
• An executor executes the directions outlined by the deceased in his last will.
• The personal representative, when he is not named by the deceased, is appointed by a probate court and known as the administrator.
• The job of an executor and an administrator remain the same and comprise looking after the taxes and expenses of the estate before distribution among the heirs according to the will of the deceased.
• The difference between an executor and an administrator lies in the manner in which they are appointed.