Who is typically appointed by the court to settle an estate?

In the context of settling an estate, the role of an administrator is crucial when there is no will (intestate). An administrator is appointed by the court to manage and settle the estate of a deceased person. This includes tasks such as identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs according to the laws of intestate succession.

The administrator acts in a fiduciary capacity, meaning they must adhere to a strict standard of care and act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. This role is mandated by the court to ensure a fair and legal process is followed in the absence of an appointed executor, who would typically be named in the deceased's will.

Other roles mentioned, such as a legal guardian, estate executor, and trustee, have specific functions that do not encompass the general role of settling an estate when there is no will. For example, a legal guardian specifically pertains to the care of minor children or dependents, while an estate executor is appointed only when a will exists, and a trustee manages assets held in a trust. Each of these roles serves distinct purposes within estate management, but the role of the administrator is specifically designated for situations involving intestacy or when no executor is available.