What is the title for a person appointed by the court to manage the estate of someone who dies without a will?

The title for a person appointed by the court to manage the estate of someone who dies without a will is "Administrator." When an individual passes away intestate (without a valid will), the court steps in to ensure that the estate is settled in accordance with state laws, which govern the distribution of assets. The court appoints an administrator to carry out this role.

An administrator has several responsibilities, including gathering and managing the deceased's assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs according to the state's intestacy laws. This role is essential for ensuring that the estate is handled fairly and legally, providing oversight to the process since there is no will to guide the distribution.

In contrast, an executor is appointed by a decedent's will and is responsible for executing the provisions of that will. A committee typically refers to a group gathering for a specific purpose and does not apply to estate management. A trustee, meanwhile, manages property or assets placed in a trust but is not involved in intestate estate management. Thus, the role of the administrator is specifically tailored to address situations where no will exists, differentiating it from the other terms.