Who can serve as an estate administrator if there is no will?

In the absence of a will, the probate court is responsible for appointing an estate administrator to manage the deceased's estate. This process ensures that the estate is handled according to the laws of intestacy, which dictate how assets are distributed when someone dies without a will. The court will typically select someone who is competent and often has a close relationship with the deceased, such as a family member, but ultimately, the formal appointment is a judicial decision.

This approach helps provide oversight and legitimacy to the estate administration process, as the court must ensure that the appointed individual can responsibly manage the affairs of the estate, pay debts, and distribute assets according to state laws. Individuals without this court appointment, such as family members or friends, may not have the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. Therefore, having a court-appointed administrator is vital for proper estate administration in these situations.