Which term is used to refer to a person who is appointed to oversee the estate of someone who died without a will?

The term used to refer to a person who is appointed to oversee the estate of someone who died without a will is "Administrator." When an individual passes away intestate (without a will), the court appoints an administrator to manage the estate's affairs. The administrator's responsibilities typically include settling debts, distributing assets according to state laws, and ensuring that the estate is handled properly in accordance with legal requirements.

On the other hand, the role of an executor is specifically associated with a person designated in a will to carry out the wishes set forth by the deceased. A guardian is someone appointed to care for a minor child or a person who cannot care for themselves, which is distinct from managing an estate. Lastly, a beneficiary is an individual or entity that receives benefits, such as assets or property, from an estate outlined in a will or statutory succession, but they do not have the authority to manage the estate themselves.